Prison Break Weekend at Eastern State Penitentiary
‘Life of a Prison Inmate’
Eastern State Penitentiary will be hosting Prison Break Weekend this Saturday and Sunday, June 9th and 10th. This event will highlight some of the most infamous prison breaks in American History.
Have you ever spoken to a real inmate at a prison before? Well, it won’t happen this weekend, but you will certainly get to listen to two actors, one who portrays tunnel mastermind Clarence Klinedinst and another portraying bank robber “Slick Willie” Sutton. Both will give their conflicting accounts of who designed the 1945 tunnel, how it was built, and why the escapees got caught. As a visitor, you will be able to vote on who is telling the truth.
Keep in mind, most inmates didn’t really escape from prison because they found meaning, friendship and recreation within the walls when all possible. What you will hear from the two actors is based on actual conflicts in the accounts of Willie Sutton and Clarence Klinedinst.
As a visitor, you will be able to play Bocce Ball in the all new restored Bocci Court, which will be the first-time opened to visitors this weekend. There will be other interactive activities for the family such as a means to escape for the inmates. There will be prizes awarded all weekend for the best Bocce Ball players and a winner for the debate on picking which inmate who was truly responsible for the 1945 tunnel scape. They will be announced on Monday on Eastern State’s web site.
All Prison Break Weekend events are included in standard admission. Regular daytime programs, including “The Voices of Eastern State” Audio Tour, guided Hands-On History tours, history exhibits, and artist installations, are also included in admission. Tickets are available online or at the door, subject to availability.
Special Tip –
Since you will be in the Fairmount neighborhood, make it a full day and after the Prison Break event, stop in the many fine restaurants and bars in Fairmount. Click here > Fairmount restaurants & bars ~
History and information about Eastern State Penitentiary ~
Location
22nd & Fairmount Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Dates
June 9 & 10, 2012
Hours
Visitor Center Hours:
Every day 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Guided Tour Times:
Weekdays | 10:00 am | 12:00 pm | 2:00 pm | 3:00 pm | 4:00 pm Weekends | every hour | 10:30 am to 4:00 pm
Cost
Adults: $12 | Seniors: $10 | Students & Kids: $8 | Members: FREE | CityPASS Adults: $59 | CityPASS Child: $39
all pictures courtesy of Eastern State Penitentiary
Follow Us!