Join us at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site (ESPHS) from March 12 through March 14 as we celebrate Civic Learning Week with a series of special programs and workshops! Civic Learning Week highlights civic education's important role in sustaining and strengthening constitutional democracy in the United States. While these programs were designed with educators in mind, we welcome all visitors to participate.

Making Civic Connections at ESPHS — Ongoing. In person. Included with admission. — Explore ESPHS with the help of a handout designed to foster conversations about civics in the context of the historic site and Eastern State's mission to advance public understanding of the criminal justice system to inspire a more just future.

Criminal Justice & The Eighth Amendment Workshop  — March 12 & 13. 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:00 pm. In person. Included with admission, subject to capacity. Advance registration highly encouraged. — Join one of our engaging Eastern State educators for a 45-minute, interactive workshop about the complex interplay between the criminal justice system and the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution which states that "Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted." Workshops will be held at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:00 pm on March 12 & 13 only. Purchase timed and dated tickets online in advance to guarantee your spot in the workshop of your choice.

Pyrrhic Defeat + Art for Civic Engagement — March 14. 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. In person. Included with admission, subject to capacity. — Consider the power of art as a tool for learning, growth, and civic engagement. Hear from Mark Loughney about his piece Pyrrhic Defeat — a mural comprised of dozens of portraits of his fellow prisoners that he sketched during his ten years of incarceration. Then, reflect with a button-making exercise alongside Eastern State's education team.

Teachback: Life Imprisonment & Mass Incarceration (For Educators Only) — March 14. 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm. Online. Free. Advance registration required.— Engage with fellow educators at our first Eastern State Teachback of 2025! Teachbacks are professional development opportunities made for teachers, led by teachers. This Teachback will feature a presentation by Nazgol Ghandnoosh, Ph.D. (Director of Research, The Sentencing Project) titled "The Second Look Movement: Ending Mass Incarceration Requires Ending Life Imprisonment" and a classroom lesson discussion with Kim Walker (Social Studies, Kensington Creative and Performing Arts High School). All participants will receive copies of teaching materials developed by educators who participated in Eastern State's Summer Teacher Institute. Pennsylvania-based teachers will also receive Act 48 credit. Learn more and register here.