About

Welcome to our exhibit, an exploration about the history of State Correctional Institute SCI Phoenix and incarceration in Philidelphia from 1829 to 2023. We examined literature on prison programs, philosphy, construction, key figures, and important events from primary sources.

Our project is organized on a timeline, starting from the establishment of Eastern State Penitentiary. This exhibit is subsquently divided into sections delving into Graterford and SCI. Then culminating into a discussion of the history of incarceration in the Philidelphia area. 

Materials from the Ursinus Archive, notably newspapers, reveal the historical connection between Ursinus and local prison communities. The prison literacy program has historically served as a conduit between communities, its cancellation marking a significant shift. The nature of prison visitation and the current relationship between the college and SCI Phoenix is subject to ongoing research, remaining in a state of ambiguity.