Eastern State Penitentiary reopens with new exhibits, hours for summer

By Jen McShane
Collegian Staff
March 28, 2007

With the advent of spring and warmer weather, many La Salle students may take this opportunity to explore areas of Philadelphia previously avoided due to the cold. After being cooped up in dorms and on campus due to winter weather, students can now enjoy outdoor treks into the city to visit Boathouse Row, check out Penn’s Landing and even the wharf. However, do not forget to visit “America’s Most Historic Prison,” Eastern State Penitentiary.

The prison was founded in 1829 and closed in 1971 after the building became unacceptable to hold people. Famous prisoners who resided inside its cells include Al Capone and Willie Sutton. Admission to the prison includes a walking tour outside and inside the supposedly haunted halls.

Eastern State closes during the winter season (December through March) due to the fact that the prison has no heat. However, this weekend, March 30-April 1, Eastern State reopens with some new features. This weekend’s events will continue through the summer and are designed to give visitors the jail experience, while at the same time, offer more information about this historic prison.

Friday, March 30, begins the new season for Eastern State with a 2007 season sneak peek. On this day, all new exhibits, tours and showcases will offer a glance some of the newest attractions. The best part is that the entire day is free for all visitors.

Two actors will be playing and reenacting the great tunnel escapees Saturday, March 31. Willie “Slick” Sutton, along with Clarence Klinedinst, helped 10 other inmates escape from the prison by digging a tunnel. The great escape occurred April 3, 1945, and eventually all prisoners were recaptured after a city-wide manhunt. On Saturday, this daring escape will be reenacted and will continue into Sunday.

On April 29, there will be a reunion for all former employees and inmates from Eastern State. These alumni of the prison will share their tales about working and living behind the walls of the penitentiary.

On June 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17, there will be a dance performance, “GATE.” “GATE” will be performed by seven dancers from the Leah Stein Dance Company, three musicians and the Mendelssohn Club 100 voices of Philadelphia. “GATE” is referred to as a site specific dance performance because the dance revolves around the architect of the building. Dancers will intertwine and dance around the cell blocks.

Also in June, Eastern State Penitentiary hosts the Sunoco Welcome America Movie Night June 29. The movie is shown outside on the baseball diamond of the prison. The movie played will have a prison theme, though a particular title has not yet been chosen.

Perhaps the best day to head over to Eastern State is July 14, Bastille Day. The day’s events will reenact the storming of the Bastille in France during the French Revolution. Throughout the day, there will be people dressed as French peasants and royalty. A great part of the day will include the capture of Marie Antoinette who satirically yells “let them eat Tastykakes” while being dragged to a guillotine.

Eastern State has something for everyone, whether you are interested in history or if you are looking for a good scare.

mcshanej2@lasalle.edu