Program Series

Thanksgiving Weekend: The Power of Play: Sports and Belonging

Friday, November 28, 2025 to Sunday, November 30, 2025

Join us at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site this Thanksgiving Weekend to learn more about the power of sports in fostering a sense of belonging throughout the penitentiary's history and in correctional facilities today. Programs include:

  • Sports & Recreation Scavenger Hunt (Ongoing) — Designed with kids and their caregivers in mind. Pick up a packet when you grab your audio guide. Complete this sports-themed scavenger hunt to receive an exclusive sticker prize! 
  • Mini Tour: Race, Baseball, & The Legend of Charles ""Jack"" Blackburn (Daily, Select Times) — Join an Educator for a 10-minute tour that shares the fascinating story of a renowned boxing champion turned Eastern State Penitentiary baseball player. Ask any staff member for the daily schedule and meeting place. 
  • Guide-Led Tour & Discussion — The Guide-Led Tour and Discussion (12:00 pm on weekdays, 11:00 am on weekends) will include additional content about sports and recreation. All tours are limited capacity and subject to availability.  
  • Baseball Pop-Up Talks & Home Run Hits (Daily) – Step onto the penitentiary's historic baseball field where you'll learn more about the impact of baseball in prisons, past and present, from one of our Educators. Then, step up to the ""plate"" and see how far you can hit a wiffle ball toward Eastern State's tall perimeter wall. 
  • Sports & Recreation Trivia (Saturday, November 29 at 12 PM) – Join us in the central rotunda for trivia to test your knowledge about sports in prison. Prizes will be awarded. 
Prison Facade Events Thumbnail

Events in this Series

Sign up for our newsletter