Behind the Walls of the World’s Psychiatric Hospitals

Ep. 99: History of Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (1893-1940)

Send us a textThis week we look at the expansion of the asylum around the turn of the 20th century. Find out what types of treatment were used, learn what unusual (and sad) reasons got people committed to the asylum, and discover who was setting a series of dangerous fires. Learn more about influenza and tuberculosis treatment at the hospital, as well.The main source for this episode is the book The Haunted History of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum by Sherri Brake.Support the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/behindthewallspodcastSupport the show on Beacons: https://beacons.ai/behindthewallspodcastFollow the show on Instagram: @behindthewallspodSupport the show

Ep. 98: History of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, Part 1 (1858-1893)

Send us a textThis week we start a series on Sarah's "holy grail" asylum! Learn about why it took 23 years for the asylum to be built and who was involved in the labor. Find out how the hospital took on an additional role in the history of the American Civil War. And discover why there was such a high turnover of superintendents in the early days of asylum life.Follow the show on Instagram at @behindthewallspodSupport the show on Beacons: https://beacons.ai/behindthewallspodcastSupport the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/behindthewallspodcastSupport the show

Ep. 97: Interview with Jacqui Sanders

Send us a textThis week I interview historian Jacqui Sanders to discuss her study of the children and women of Aradale Mental Hospital in Australia and the release of her new book, Form of Insanity. Find out how Jacqui got drawn to Aradale and to the tragic stories she outlines in her book -- and find out what projects she has lined up next!Follow the show on Instagram: @behindthewallspodSupport the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/behindthewallspodcastSupport the show on Beacons: https://beacons.ai/behindthewallspodcastSupport the show

Ep. 96: History of the Fernald State School (1950-2014)

Send us a textThis week's episode examines the final decades of the Fernald State School. Find out about the pivotal moment in Ward 22 that forever changed the school. Learn about the fate of the Science Club members. And discover how the "research" of the past was unearthed.Main sources for this episode include the annual reports from the Fernald School, as well as the book The State Boys Rebellion by Michael D'Antonio. All other sources will be listed at the end of the episode transcript.Follow the show on Instagram: @behindthewallspodSupport the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/behindthewallspodcastSupport the show on Beacons: https://beacons.ai/behindthewallspodcastSupport the show

Ep. 95: History of the Fernald State School (1912-1949)

Send us a textThis week's episode discusses the years that Dr. Fernald, Dr. Greene, and Dr. Farrell were superintendents at the school. Learn about the legacy of one of the superintendents and how he single-handedly influenced New York and Massachusetts law. Learn about one boy who entered the Fernald State School at age 8 and who quickly became part of a group called "The Science Club."Trigger warnings for this episode include the use of outdated and ableist language, abuse toward children and dependent adults, and mention of eugenics.My primary sources for this episode include the annual reports from the Fernald State School website and the book The State Boys Rebellion by Michael D'Antonio. All other sources will be listed at the end of the episode transcript.Follow the show on Instagram: @behindthewallspodSupport the show on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/behindthewallspodcastSupport the show on Beacons: https://beacons.ai/behindthewallspodcastSupport the show