Eastern State, A New Dawn

One of Philadelphia’s most iconic landmarks, Eastern State, has unveiled a sweeping new brand identity that pays homage to its storied past and boldly propels it into a mission-driven future. With a fresh logo, an enhanced visual system, and a new online home at EasternState.org, the relaunch reflects a refined vision: to be a national catalyst for justice education, civic dialogue, and meaningful reform.

This new identity is founded on a clear, compelling mission—one that elevates Eastern State beyond a preserved historic site into a transformative educational platform. Enriched by the founding ideals of 1787 and grounded in the Penitentiary’s radical legacy of criminal justice reform, the landmark is now a unified institution composed of two key pillars: the Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site and the Eastern State Center for Justice Education.

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site: A Portal to the Past

Visitors will continue to explore its revolutionary radial design and hauntingly beautiful ruins. But now, these experiences are woven more tightly into the organization’s broader educational goals. Exhibits such as “Prisons Today” and “The Big Graph” remain touchstones, offering immersive and data-driven perspectives on mass incarceration and justice in America.

The physical site itself, long regarded as the birthplace of modern corrections, has become an even more vital venue for national storytelling. With a renewed emphasis on interpretation and preservation, the historic site promises to deepen visitor understanding of how the architecture and history of incarceration intersect with contemporary issues.

Eastern State Center for Justice Education: A Vision for Reform

The second pillar, the Eastern State Center for Justice Education, expands the institution’s impact far beyond its Philadelphia footprint. Through programming like Justice 101, the Collaboratory for Justice Education, and robust community partnerships, this new center empowers individuals across the country to examine, question, and ultimately reimagine the American justice system.

Dr. Kerry Sautner, President and CEO, articulated the heart of the rebrand: “Our rebrand is the outward expression of everything we are and all we aspire to be. It reflects our purpose, rooted in the founding ideals of 1787 and grounded in Eastern State’s legacy as the birthplace of criminal justice reform.”

Eastern State Reimagines Justice and History

Coinciding with the new brand launch is the unveiling of Eastern State’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan. This bold roadmap outlines five priority areas: reimagining the visitor experience, preserving the historic site, expanding workforce development initiatives, broadening justice education efforts, and enhancing organizational capacity.

These initiatives include projects like the LEAD Fellowship and the Preservation Trades Center, both aimed at providing workforce opportunities to individuals rebuilding their lives. Additionally, Eastern State plans to grow its digital exhibit offerings and extend its reach through a year-long series of public events and cultural activations leading up to the United States’ 250th birthday in 2026.

As Eastern State evolves, it continues to hold space for reflection, activism, and transformation. The site’s expanded programming serves as a dynamic civic platform where visitors can engage with pressing questions about democracy, dignity, and justice. In doing so, Eastern State is redefining what it means to be a historic site in the 21st century as it preserves the past while it reshapes the future.

About Post Author

Allan Lane

Philadelphia born and bred, Allan Lane is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of digital magazines. He launched his first publication, SportBikes Inc Magazine in 2010, followed by dosage MAGAZINE in 2019. Recently, Allan launched his third online publication, Club For Man. As a journalist, Allan covers fashion, lifestyle, culture, art, and motorcycles.

See author's posts