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IT'S MY 100th EPISODE!!! This week we wrap up the history of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum and find out which treatment was used over a two-week period in an attempt to discharge patients quickly from the hospital. Discover how nine patients from the criminally insane ward escaped. And learn about how the asylum came back to life after it closed its doors in 1994.

My main source is The Haunted History of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum by Sherri Brake. All other sources will be listed at the end of the episode transcript.

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This 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.

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This 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.

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This 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!

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This 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.

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This 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.

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This week we discuss the first two decades of Dr. Walter E. Fernald's tenure at the Massachusetts School for the Feeble-Minded. Find out how he was able to expand the school in order to quickly grow to over 1,000 residents! Learn about Dr. Fernald's role in the eugenics movement of the early 20th century and what scholars were trying to legalize in the state of Massachusetts.

My primary sources are the annual reports from the Fernald State School website. All other sources are listed at the end of the episode transcript.

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This week we discuss the many changes in the Massachusetts School for Idiotic and Feeble-Minded Youth, which included a name change, three locations, and three different superintendents. Find out what an average day looked like at the school, what the guidelines were for teaching children with developmental disabilities, and why they kept moving the school to new locations.

The primary sources for this episode are the annual reports available on the Fernald State School website.

Be sure to follow the show on Instagram: @behindthewallspod

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