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Eastern State Penitentiary To Feature New Exhibits For Spring

Kitchen ruin is part of a new exhibit at Eastern State Penitentiary . (credit: John McDevitt)

Kitchen ruin is part of a new exhibit at Eastern State Penitentiary . (credit: John McDevitt)

John McDevitt

Reporting John McDevitt

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By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Prison artifacts and newly open areas of Eastern State Penitentiary are part of new exhibits at the historic site in Fairmount this spring.

One of the new ruinous areas open to the public is “Soup Alley,” a dining hall used by inmates, established in 1924.

“They would have come through here, gathered their meals,” says Tour guide Scott Derkacz. “You also may notice behind you this little area where we some stoves, some ovens, it might have been a warming area where they could warm up those meals prior to being served.”

A cell where a tunnel was dug and 12 inmates escaped in 1945 is also in the spotlight.

And for 10 days, starting Saturday, a pop-up museum, featuring prison artifacts, will be on display for the first time, including record books, mugshots and shanks.

Old mugshots of former prisoners are on display in a new exhibit at Easter State Penitentiary. (credit: John MCDevitt)

Old mugshots of former prisoners are on display in a new exhibit at Easter State Penitentiary. (credit: John MCDevitt)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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