PRISON SOCIETY MILESTONES

Since 1787, The Pennsylvania Prison Society has been in the vanguard of effecting improvements in prison conditions and in the treatment of prisoners. From opposing the death penalty to championing the rights of incarcerated women, children, and the insane and establishing free legal counsel for persons charged with a crime, the Prison Society has been an unwavering voice of fairness, compassion, and justice. A few milestones in the Prison Society's history:

1787: Pioneered prison visitations.

1788: Initiated the penitentiary model at the Walnut Street Jail in Philadelphia.

1789: Led the move to establish separate facilities for women.

1823: Encouraged removal of children from adult institutions.

1829: Formally granted official visitor status by the state legislature. Appointed outside overseer of new Eastern State Penitentiary.

1852: Initiated removal of the insane from prisons to mental hospitals.

1934: Supported creation of the Defender Association of Philadelphia to provide legal counsel for indigent offenders.

1987: Called for a moratorium on construction and operation of private prisons.

1987: Led a coalition in support of earned/good time for Pennsylvania prisoners.

1990: Directed the effort to reaffirm official prison visitation for the Society and for public officials.

1994: Reopened Eastern State Penitentiary as a world class museum following the facility's closure 23 years earlier.

1997: Led a court suit movement to re-open the pardoning process.

1998: Supported the move to reinstate ex-offenders' voting rights.

2000: Initiated innovative programming to help families stay connected and strengthened during periods of incarceration.

2002: Began participation on an Advisory Committee of a legislative task force to study the geriatric and critically ill inmate population.

2003: Opened new headquarters at 245 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.