Ep. 101: McLean Psychiatric Hospital, Part 1 (1818-1896)

2026-05-11

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Send us Fan MailThis week's episode looks at the early years of McLean Psychiatric Hospital, originally called the Charlestown Asylum and Somerville Asylum. Find out what caused a delay in the funding and building of the asylum, as well as who was part of the original board of trustees. Learn about the man whose namesake has become synonymous with the history of the hospital. And discover how McLean Hospital became known as a treatment facility for the wealthy.My main sources include the book...

Send us Fan Mail

This week's episode looks at the early years of McLean Psychiatric Hospital, originally called the Charlestown Asylum and Somerville Asylum. Find out what caused a delay in the funding and building of the asylum, as well as who was part of the original board of trustees. Learn about the man whose namesake has become synonymous with the history of the hospital. And discover how McLean Hospital became known as a treatment facility for the wealthy.

My main sources include the book Gracefully Insane by Alex Beam and a presentation by archivist Terry Bragg. All other sources will be listed at the end of the episode transcript.

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