Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Visitor Evaluation Study

The goal of the study was to inform an interpretive and master planning process at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site by documenting visitor motivations, interests, experience, and learning outcomes of four key audiences identified by Eastern State: walk-in visitors (adult only), walk-in visitors (groups with children), prearranged adult tour groups, and school groups. Specifically, the report focuses on the following evaluative questions: 1) Who are the visitors to Eastern State and why do they come? (e.g., entry conditions such as demographics, motivations for their visit, expectations, and prior knowledge and interest) 2) What is the nature of visitors' experiences at the site? (e.g., how do they move through the space and what programs/tours do they utilize? To what extent are they engaged in different programs, areas, components, and/or exhibits? How satisfied are they with the experience and what would make it a better experience for them?) 3) What do visitors take away from their experiences at Eastern State? (e.g., cognitive and affective outcomes, shifts in attitudes/awareness/knowledge, increased interest in a topic) The appendix of this document includes timing and tracking protocols and interview protocols.

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