June 25th, 2011
Historic Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, Events, Behind the Scenes Tour: Death Row, Saturday, Sunday
On my way to the food trucks I stopped by just to get info. on this historic penitentiary. All the prison shows on t.v. do not compare to how massive and impressive this prison is.
Built in 1822-1836, it was then closed in 1971. Now, it is the site for tours, reenactments and special events.
Today, Saturday and tomorrow, Sunday is the only time that they offer the Behind the Scenes Tour: Death Row. You will need to make a reservation online. Tours are limited, though. Please visit www.eaternstate.org.
Eastern State Penitentiary is located at 2027 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19130. Tel. 215-236-3300.
It was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world; also the first true penitentiary. It was designed to inspire penitence, or true regret in the hearts of convicts.
Eastern State Penitentiary was once the home for Al Capon.
It is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last entry at 4 p.m.
Save the Date:
Saturday, 7/16 – Bastille Day – At 2:00 p.m. the Street Festival will start. Then, at 5:30 p.m. a Reenactment will take place. This is one of Philadelphia’s most popular summertime events. Join them for a playful reenactment of the Storming of the Bastille and a French-themed Street Party.
Later on September 23rd until November 5th and on Selected Evenings — Terror Behind the Walls. This is a massive haunted house inside a real prison. Called “Perfect for Halloween” by the New York Times and ranked the No. 1 Haunted House in America by AOL City Guide.
Eastern State Penitentiary offers hour-long tours led by an expert tour guide. This tour highlights its 142-year history.
Other tours are what they call “Hands-On History”. They are a series of short interactive experiences (about 5 minutes each) throughout the penitentiary.
If you decide to take advantage of any of these tours, then, get hungry, go across the street to Jack’s Firehouse, at 2130 Fairmount Ave. Tel. 215-232-9000. Website? www.jacksfirehouse.com. It is located inside a 19th century firehouse and it looked very interesting. Could not visit this time, but on my list for the next road trip to Philly.
Have a good one…talk to you later….
Tags: Death Row Tour, Eastern State Penitentiary, Events, Historic Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, sightseeing in Philadelphia, what to see in Philadelphia
