The civics-themed program offers fun and engaging opportunities to learn about the history and current state the justice system, and its relevance in the May 2025 primary elections
April 23, 2025
Eastern State, in collaboration with Philadelphia City Councilmember and Majority Whip Isaiah Thomas, Committee of Seventy, League of Women Voters of Philadelphia, and Pennsylvania Prison Society, is pleased to announce an engaging and informative program focused on the vital role of civic participation in shaping the future of the criminal justice system. The program will take place at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site on May 7 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., and will serve as the kickoff event in a larger series of evening programs titled Wednesday Nights. Tickets are on sale now at EasternState.org/WednesdayNights.
This powerful partnership offers visitors fun and interactive opportunities to learn about the importance of their voices in the ongoing dialogue surrounding criminal justice reform, especially in relation to the upcoming ballot question in Philadelphia aimed at establishing a Prison Community Oversight Board and Office of Prison Oversight. Against the powerful backdrop of the historic penitentiary, visitors will be able to participate in discussions with civic leaders, compete in civics trivia, and discover practical ways to become more involved in their communities through civic participation.
"Eastern State Penitentiary serves as a potent reminder of our nation’s, and our city’s, approaches to justice over time," said Dr. Kerry Sautner, President & CEO of Eastern State. "We believe it's crucial to connect this history with contemporary conversations about how we can build a more equitable and effective criminal justice system. We are thrilled to partner with Councilmember Thomas, Committee of Seventy, League of Women Voters, and Pennsylvania Prison Society to empower our community through civic engagement. We hope that visitors who join us for the opening of Wednesday Nights on May 7 will enjoy a fun and engaging night out, and also that they will reflect on what they’ve learned and make their voices heard at the ballot box."
City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, a strong advocate for criminal justice reform, stated, "Meaningful change requires active participation from all members of our community. This program provides a powerful setting to learn, engage, and understand how we can all contribute to shaping a more just future for Philadelphia. I look forward to an engaging conversation around Ballot Question 3 and why I believe Philadelphia needs a Prison Oversight Board. This will be a great event, and then I encourage Philadelphia voters to vote YES on Election Day, May 20th."
The Committee of Seventy and League of Women Voters, both nonpartisan organizations dedicated to promoting informed and active civic participation, as well as the Pennsylvania Prison Society, the sole organization in the Commonwealth with legal authority to visit any prison or jail, will offer valuable insights and resources.
Event Details:
Wednesday Nights: Civic Engagement
at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Wednesday, May 7, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. (last entry 9:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $17 online at EasternState.org; $20 at the door
During Wednesday Nights: Civic Engagement on May 7, visitors can:
- Explore the historic site after hours, including the Prisons Today exhibit and Al Capone’s Cell, and learn about the building’s history and legacy today
- Engage with Eastern State staff on Mini Tours that dive deeper into topics of interest and activate behind-the-scenes spaces
- Test their civics knowledge by competing in a round of civics trivia to win fun prizes
- Relax, reflect, and chat with friends over drinks at the Fair Chance Beer Garden, operated by Triple Bottom Brewing, a local, mission-driven craft brewery advancing equity and justice through fair-chance hiring and their Future of Service Apprenticeship
- Attend a panel discussion about the importance of civic participation in shaping the future of our justice system. Featuring Philadelphia City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas; Lauren Cristella, President & CEO of Committee of Seventy; Morgan Robinson, President of League of Women Voters of Philadelphia; and Noah Barth, Prison Monitoring Director of the Pennsylvania Prison Society. Moderated by Dr. Kerry Sautner, President & CEO of Eastern State.
- Meet representatives from local organizations and learn how to get involved. Featuring the Committee of Seventy, the League of Women Voters of Philadelphia, Mural Arts Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Prison Society, the Defender Association of Philadelphia, and the Office of Philadelphia City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas
About the Wednesday Nights Program Series:
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site opens its gates for all-new Wednesday Nights, offering immersive experiences, interactive events, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access to one of Philadelphia’s most unique historic landmarks. Themed events provide a social yet meaningful night out—combining history, culture, and entertainment in an atmospheric setting. The Fair Chance Beer Garden, operated by Triple Bottom Brewing, is open to historic site guests each evening, offering local brews and a relaxed space for reflection and conversation. Each Wednesday Night offers unique opportunities for engagement, with themes like Sports Night, Open Mic Night, Quizzo, Movie Night, and more.
Wednesday Nights takes place every Wednesday evening from May 7 through July 2, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site. (Last entry 9:00 p.m.). Tickets are $17 online, or $20 at the door, subject to availability. Discounted rates are available for groups of 15 or more. For more information, visit EasternState.org/WednesdayNights.
About Eastern State:
Eastern State preserves America’s first penitentiary, advancing public understanding of the criminal justice system and its impact on the lives of those affected by it, to inspire a more just future. For more information, visit EasternState.org and follow Eastern State on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok, and YouTube.
About the Committee of Seventy:
The Committee of Seventy is a nonpartisan civic leadership organization that advances representative, ethical and effective government in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania through citizen engagement and public policy advocacy. For more information, visit seventy.org and follow the Committee of Seventy on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
About the League of Women Voters (LWV):
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. For more information, visit lvwphilly.org and follow LWV on Facebook and Instagram.
About the Pennsylvania Prison Society:
The Pennsylvania Prison Society works to promote the health, safety, and dignity of people in prison and their families. For more information, visit PrisonSociety.org and follow the Society on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
About the Prison Oversight Ballot Initiative:
For years, Philadelphia’s prisons have been under scrutiny for critical understaffing, inmate overdoses and deaths, high profile escapes, general maintenance challenges, and poor hygiene. Philadelphia City Councilmember and Majority Whip Isaiah Thomas (D- At Large), after nearly two years of stakeholder engagement, introduced and passed legislation proposing the creation of a Philadelphia Prison Community Oversight Board and an Office of Prison Oversight.
If approved by Philadelphia voters, the Office of Prison Oversight would be responsible for increasing transparency and accountability in Philadelphia Department of Prisons, monitoring facilities, accessing databases and documents, meeting with staff and incarcerated individuals, and developing community education programs. The Philadelphia Prison Community Oversight Board would hold monthly public meetings and provide recommendations to the Office and the Department of Prisons on policy and best practices.
Learn more at PHLCouncil.com/PrisonOversight.
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