Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site announces layoffs, cancels Halloween event

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site said it has laid off about 40% of its staff, implemented salary reductions, and made deep cuts to its operating budget as a result of the financial impact of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The organization is also suspending its popular Halloween fundraiser, Terror Behind the Walls, for 2020.

“This was the absolute last resort,” said President and CEO Sally Elk. “After months of financial losses, and with such uncertainty ahead, we are simply out of options. The strength of this organization has always been its dedicated and ambitious staff. We are heartbroken.”