Chris Welty

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site preserves America’s first penitentiary as a powerful, thought-provoking space for learning and reflection. Opened in 1829 with a revolutionary vision for criminal justice reform, the site operated until 1971 and now serves as a museum and national historic landmark. Through exhibitions, guided tours, and public programs, we use the power of place to explore the legacy of incarceration in the United States and its continuing impact today. The Eastern State Center for Justice Education is our hub for deepening understanding of the criminal justice system and inspiring a more just future. Through public events, educational initiatives, and workforce development programs, we encourage the free-flowing exchange of ideas to inspire a more just, equitable world. Together, the Historic Site and the Center for Justice Education invite visitors and communities across the country to learn from the past, engage with the present, and imagine a more just future.