Every year, I receive a letter inviting me to attend my high school alumni breakfast. It’s been 10 years since I walked out with my diploma. School was entertaining, but it was also a bit awkward and I couldn’t wait to move on to the next chapter in my life. But hey, that was just high school.

Imagine getting an invitation from the alumni association of the institution where most of your time was spent behind bars. Not detention… prison. And not only would you be sharing stories with your fellow cellmates, but also the security guards and the outside public?

Well, it has already happened and will continue to happen because this Saturday, Eastern State Penitentiary will host its annual “Alumni” reunion, where not only former prison guards but actual inmates return to field questions from inquiring minds. This annual tradition will be reaching its 12th year but both parties have been swapping stories before Eastern State ever became open to the public.

Established in 1829, Eastern State would serve as the first penitentiary in the country thereby making every inmate and prison guard an integral part of its stormy history. Although it has been closed now for more than 30 years, people are still fascinated by its architecture, its crumbling cellblocks and the stories that were buried within their walls, which meant that it was only a matter of time till someone opened their mouths.

Be there to hear their stories when the alumni gather for an informal round table on Saturday afternoon beginning at 2:30 in the prison yard. I’m just waiting for the words, “Hey, Remember when…”

Alumni Reunion @ Eastern State Penitentiary
Sat May 17, 2008 2:30pm Prison Yard: Free with Admission

Eastern State Penitentiary
22nd & Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA
www.easternstate.org