This summer, Eastern State Penitentiary is the place to be for anyone interested in history and community. Their June programming is part of the A Time for Liberty initiative, featuring events focused on freedom, storytelling, and public dialogue. Visitors can join the Finding Freedom Civic Season, running until September 7, to explore how America’s ideas of liberty and justice have changed over time. You can take guided tours, including Civil Rights and solitary confinement tours, and participate in fun activities like zine-making, poetry workshops, and scavenger hunts.
With the FIFA World Cup bringing visitors to Philadelphia, Eastern State is also hosting a Welcome FIFA Fans program from June 11 to July 19. Enjoy daily sports-themed activities like baseball talks, bocce games, and family scavenger hunts. Don’t miss the mini tour about boxer-turned-baseball player Charles “Jack” Blackburn, which connects sports and history.
One of the standout events is the Juneteenth Festival on June 19. This full-day celebration features storytelling, music, and important discussions. Families can enjoy storytime sessions about Juneteenth, live performances by The Black Breath Collective, and a panel discussion with historian Hasan Kwame Jeffries and Eastern State’s CEO Dr. Kerry Sautner.
The fun continues with Summer Nights, starting June 20 with Pride Night. This event highlights LGBTQIA+ stories in incarceration history, featuring a fireside chat, zine-making, and Queer Trivia. On June 27, check out the Justice & Journalism themed Summer Nights event, part of Wawa Welcome America, which discusses how journalism uncovers injustice.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Eastern State Penitentiary offers a unique way to connect with history and think about the future.
