New Exhibit Recalls the Dangers of Historic Eastern State Prison, in Fairmount
By John McDevitt
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The stories of former inmates at Eastern State Penitentiary, in the Fairmount section of the city, are now being told through a new a "pop-up" museum at the historic site.
The temporary exhibit, called "Escape!," features rarely seen artifacts such as confiscated "shanks" (homemade knives), handcuffs, and books of mug shots.
One of those books (below) was recently acquired by Eastern State Penitentiary. Erica Harman, the prison's manager of archives and records, says the treasure was almost lost: it was found inside a shed at the South Jersey shore.
"The person who donated it received it from a gentleman who formerly worked for the city," she explains, "and when his shed washed across the street during Hurricane Sandy, they helped him clean it out and he gave it to them. That person then saw similar mug shots on our web site and sent us a an e-mail saying, 'I think this might belong to you.' And it did! So now, it is here for everyone to enjoy."
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Another display (below) marks the 70th anniversary of the only successful underground tunnel escape from the former prison. On April 3, 1945, bank robber Willie Sutton and 11 others escaped into the Fairmount neighborhood. Most were captured a short time later.
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"Escape!" runs through April 12th at Eastern State Penitentiary, 21st Street and Fairmount Avenue. The exhibit is included in the price of general admission.
