Eastern State Penitentiary Archives

Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary is a Gothic Revival former prison located in Philadelphia, opened in 1829. It pioneered the Pennsylvania System of solitary confinement. It once housed infamous criminals such as Al Capone. Today, it functions as a museum and historic site, exploring the history of the penal system.

Address: 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Phone: (215) 236-3300

Website

Education

Local Libraries Offer Free Access to More Than 30 Museums

October 15, 2025

Montgomery County’s public library system gives residents on a budget the opportunity to visit more than 30 Pennsylvania museums at…
Norristown

The Montgomery County Prison in Norristown is a Monument to Architectural History

January 28, 2025

Norristown is home to the castle-like Montgomery County Prison. Pamela W. Reilly reflects on the historic structure in Pennsylvania Heritage.…
Leadership

Montgomery County Leadership: Jamila Winder, Chair, Montgomery County Board of Commissioners

August 9, 2024

Jamila Winder, Montgomery County Commissioner and Chair, spoke with MONTCO Today about growing up in East Norriton with parents who…
Family

WSJ: Why Eastern State Penitentiary Became a Popular Wedding Venue in Philadelphia

February 19, 2024

In 2021, Christina Spence and her husband Ricky Scalia eloped and got married at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia and…
Tourism

Eastern State Penitentiary Ranked Second Most Haunted Place in the World

October 30, 2023

Eastern State Penitentiary is visited by thousands of tourists each year, and recently added a new distinction as the world’s…
Tourism

Philadelphia a Stop on Scenic Amtrak Route That Starts in Miami

September 15, 2023

Amtrak’s Silver Star route, which passes through Philadelphia, is the perfect way to tour around the country and enjoy the…
Entertainment

Spooky and Fun Halloween Events in Montgomery County

October 24, 2021

The Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board scared up a whole host of tricks and treats this Halloween season with…
Tourism

What are you doing this weekend? Here are some spooktacular suggestions in Montco

October 26, 2018

Happy Halloween, Montgomery County! Time to break out the candy, don your costumes and enjoy all the spooktacular events going…