Students Tour Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site and Gain Insight Into Evolving Penal System

Over 30 students majoring in Criminal Justice at Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) took a day trip on April 19 to the Eastern State Penitentiary historic site, a former prison in Philadelphia that operated from 1829 to 1971.

“The outing was both educationally and professionally enriching, offering insights into the history of the penitentiary and its role in shaping the modern penal system,” said Criminal Justice Professor Satenik V. Margaryan, who accompanied the students. The event was planned by Professor Margaryan, along with Criminal Justice Professor Shenique Davis and Antonette McKain, Director of Evening/Weekend and Off-Site Programs at BMCC.

The visit provided a tangible connection to the concepts and theories learned in the classroom, specifically in corrections courses, added Professor Margaryan.

“It offered a firsthand look at the evolution of the penal system and the practical implications of different correctional approaches,” she said. “Students learned about the history of Eastern State Penitentiary through an audio-guided tour, exploring its physical layout, prison cells and special art exhibitions.”

Students process their visit in light of classroom concepts 

Students attending the trip included Genesis Alcantara, Hazel Benda, Donte Blair, Kayla Brown, Odessa Brown, Vijeta Busan, Christian Campbell, Jeyliana Dejesus, Kernst Dujour, Anwar Essa, Juan Garcia, Zaria Gordon Sayeline Nunez, Arafat Ogunbote, Aaliyah Oleaga, Shakee Perkins, Andi Ramires Castillo, Alexis Ramirez, Daniel Robles, Kawsar Sakib, Ameerah Saleh, Kelsy Serrano, Becky Shi, Alexis Thomas, Monique Thomas, Yadicza Thomas, Kendra Vazquez, Kali Wilkerson, Simge (Sue) Yildiz, Zilan Yang and Yoselyn Zarate.

“When I close my eyes and look back on the trip, the one image that stands out to me is the cells,” says Andi Ramires. “Inmates had no type of freedom in those cells. Seeing the prison in person was interesting, but also chilling.”

Kali Wilkerson comes from a place of sensitivity to those who suffered in long-term solitary confinement, forced labor and other conditions when the prison was up and running.

“Despite concerns of being a disruptive presence in the penitentiary’s somber atmosphere, and showing disrespect, the historical and experiential aspects of the visit were informative and engaging, allowing me to learn about its significance in our shared history,” she says.

Vijeta Busan has been reflecting on her personal response to being in the prison environment.

“Walking through the empty wings of Eastern State Penitentiary, the image of hooded prisoners evoked a sense of melancholy in me as I contemplated the harshness of solitary confinement for reform,” said Ms. Busan. “I imagined myself as a hooded prisoner hearing the distorted voices of inmates and guards; and couldn’t help but feel the urge to empathize at the isolation once imposed upon them.”

Hazel Benda says that what stood out for her at the historic site and former penitentiary were the electric chairs used to execute the death-penalty. “If there were anyone who was innocent without proof who died there, how sad that would have been,” Ms. Benda says. “I also wonder how many souls are still trapped in those rooms.”

Kawsar Sakib shared that having firsthand experiences of the Eastern State Penitentiary “provides important insight into the realities of forced labor, civil rights and advocacy,” and in the words of Monique Thomas, “The Eastern State Penitentiary gave me such an eerie feeling as well as respect for the deceased. It’s definitely a strong reminder of the need for reform in our criminal justice system to ensure the protection of civil rights for all.”

 

The trip was made possible through a grant under the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) administered by the New York State Education Department. 

The Criminal Justice program at BMCC is housed in the Social Sciences, Human Services and Criminal Justice Department.