WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Prison Society was founded in 1787, by Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The agency was known for its first one hundred years as the Philadelphia Society for Alleviating the Miseries of Public Prisons; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Prison Society’s purpose, two hundred and thirty years ago, as well as today, is to monitor prison conditions in the Commonwealth and to advocate for humane treatment of prisoners and their families; and
WHEREAS, The earliest members of the Prison Society fought the harsh corporal punishments of the day, knowing there was a better way to rehabilitate incarcerated individuals; and
WHEREAS, Some of the many accomplishments of the Pennsylvania Prison Society include establishing separate confinement for men, women, children, and the mentally impaired, as well as pioneering the concept and practice of prison visitations; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Prison Society promotes humane and restorative corrections by serving thousands of prisoners, ex-prisoners and their family members each year through direct services and programs
; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Prison Society is dedicated to continuing to fight against mistreatment and warehousing of prisoners, as it has done for the past 230 years; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby commemorates the achievements and the continued work carried forth by the Pennsylvania Prison Society during its 230th Anniversary.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to The Pennsylvania Prison Society as evidence of the sincere appreciation of this legislative body.
End