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A Digital Bibliography of SCI-Graterford

This LibGuide contains resources on the history of SCI-Graterford, incorporating photos, digital resources, books, timelines, archival materials, and more.

Summary of Events

1960s:

  • Racial segregation within the prison ends.

1961:

  • A guard is tricked into opening a cell at ESP. Once open, men overpower the guard and begin the largest riot in the prison's history. Several hours later, a large force of police, guards, and state troopers reclaim the prison. The riot fuels discussions to close Eastern State.

1964:

  • Senior heifer from Graterford wins first prize at PA Farm Show

1966:

  • Alfred T. Rundle becomes warden.

1969-1970:

  • Staff and residents from Eastern State Penitentiary transferred to Graterford after its closure, causing racial tensions.

From the Archive