Also Known As THE WORCESTER LUNATIC Asylum.

Your right about Route 9 going by the trees. My mother worked there from about 1969 until she retired in 1979. She was a nurse, social worker and assistant supervisor of nursing when she retired. All the years I remember it was only called Worcester State Hospital.

Later known as Worcester State Hospital, the Asylum was designed by an architect named Mr. Ward P. Delano of the firm Fuller & Delano of Worcester. Mr. Delano also designed the Worcester Theatre and City Hospital. He died on September 25, 1915.

It is interesting to note that Worcester actually had two large asylums. The Lunatic Hospital was located at Lake Quinsigamond and the Insane Asylum, the first to be established in the state, was on Summer Street.

How interesting it is to finally see the hospital where my great-great grandfather resided for over 20 years. I am in the process of trying to get a court order to open his medical records. Thank you for putting a "face" to the hospital where he lived.

My Great Grandfather is James E Fuller of the architect firm Fuller & Delano of Worcester. This firm designed many buildings in Worcester such as City Hospital, Worcester State Hospital, Hahnemann Hospital, The Central Exchange Building, as well as others. The irony of this is that my grandmother (daughter in law to James)was a patent and died in Worcester State Hospital.

My gg uncle, Albert F. Scoville was partners with Edward Wm. Wheeler who studied architecture with Fuller & Delano for five years. Edward Wheeler went into business with Albert Scoville. The firm was named Scoville and Wheeler. They built the John S. Gould residence in Worcester as well as the Howe Memorial Library-Shrewsbury; Womens and Mens Wards for State Colony for the Insane-Gardner; Two modern school houses-Gardner; Builders/additions to Haywood Brothers & Wakefield Co.-Gardner.

It should be noted, that the buildings pictured above are no longer used, and (some seem to be used for offices) as far as I know the Clock tower and the kirkbridge buildings right wing is still standing, and is being pereserved. Worcester State Hospital is now housed in a large 4-7 story brick building off of Belmont Street.

My father worked there from the late 60's till he died in 72. He worked in the boiler room.In the back of the Hospital They have what is called Camp Joy now.I D.J.ed a dance there once it is run by the 7 hills foundation I belive. They also use a smaller building there i do belive for rehabiltion.

It is true, this building is not used anymore, as well as all of it's components. I work presently at the ajacent hosptal called the 'Bryan Building'. These buildings are a beautiful cluster of magnificent architecture, and are sadly in major disrepair. I advise any visitors to the property not to enter because of the serious neglect and dangerousness of the building. Hospital Police patrol frequently for those seeking 'ghosts'.

Worcester State Hospital was known as Bloomingdale Asylum. The clock tower still stands and can still be seen from Route 9. Although you have to look over the Beachwood Hotel and most of the Abbott Bioresearch Center's buildings. WSH is beautiful piece of Worcester's history.

in my travels to worcester today i stopped by the state hospital,it looks much differnt from the post cards,my sections are torn down all that remains is the clock tower building and a few patient buildings i think.most of it was torn down to make new hospital buildings,i dont know how much longer the buildings will be there because they are boarded up and fenced in,with signs that say "no tresspassing building unsafe",i think its an awesome looking building you can see it from far away it gives me chills looking at it from a distance,it really is a masterpiece

the kirkbridge building the clock tower and the nurses home are all still standing they are heavily boarded up and ive heard stories of shackles and dungens in the basement

I have many photos, from my trip back east in September. My Grandmother, Lillian Reinholdt was the head administrator over the nurses, and resided at the hospital during her tenure, and for over 20 years after the hospital closed. The clock tower still stands as do all the other buildings. The 'dorm' area where my grandmother lived (along with my mother when she was about 16 years old) is closed. There is a portion of the structures where I think they train or school doctors. There was quite a bit of foot traffic while I visited the site. The asylum is boarded up, and I have to say there was a very real feeling of sorrow there. I had always known my grandmother to work at a hospital, but I never knew it was an insane asylum until I drove onto the grounds and read the sign "Worcester Insane Asylum". The locals refer to it as a hospital now. I don't believe it is used for any patient care, but I could be wrong. P.S. when I get the photos emailed to me, I will be happy to send them to you. I took many shots of the hospital and a couple of the clock tower. Would you like copies?

I like how you all have put this web sit here. It is a good reminder of the past our relatives have seen and went through over the years. It reminds me of what was once was and will never be again. a time that we as future seeing humans will hardly ever think of. These pictures shows how the people back then did not have the understanding of mental processes of the sick and demized, and how to handle them except to say to put them in enormus builds and hospitals such as the worcester lunatic asylums.

Soon after the Tornado of 53 my family moved to Prospect Street. When I was 8 a friend of mine and I had a paper route. We delivered to the Jail House and to the Nut House as we called it, on Summer Street. We thought we were so brave. The other thing I rememeber about the Jail is seeing the guards in the towers with rifles. I would walk home from Thomas St. School for lunch and the inmates would be in the yard. I could hear them and the guards were perched at the ready. So cool for a kid.

Just wanted to add a couple of notes from my youth. As a child in a local public school, I went with my class to put on an operetta for the inmates at the Worcester State Hospital. It was not considered polite to call it anything else. We toured a tiny bit and were constantly assured that this was a hospital and meant to be a nice place. I was impressed by all the locked doors, grilles, and other cage-like structures. Still, we saw it as a hospital. We did see some clearly disturbed people during our performance, but you know, the show must go on. Later, as a young adult, I visited an acquaintance with some friends. This would be the late 1970's, and we visited where people voluntarily checked themselves in for drug addiction, bad trips, etc. Frankly didn't look or seem much different than many college campuses at that time, including some of the more disturbed denizens.

What an interesting site. My grandfather was employed for many years by the Worcester State Hospital, and my uncle (his youngest son) now works at the newer hospital. My grandfather served briefly in the violent patients ward and once had a large chunk of hair pulled out by a patient being brought in. It's interesting to see this information about the place where he once worked. Thanks.

My mother who works at Worcester State Hospital says that one of the patients had caused a fire and burned down the buildings. It was a historical place too although they didn't use it anymore.

My father and Gtreat Aunts were patients in the hospital. Put there by my Grandmother who would then take there social security checks. This is a sad memory for me. My Dad whose only problem was drinking. He died in that hospital. What happened in their lives by this woman is unforgivable. I went to Worcester a month ago and was driving by and decided to drive up the hill. I was so happy to see that the place was closed down. The home for the aged men also housed woman I blieve. If not then there was a place right next to that one. My great Grandmother died there. Also where the cows were, there was always men in there working the field, hence the name, "the poor Farm" I don't know if anyone is aware of the movie "session 9" which I am viewing as I type. It shows the hospital. It is on the mystery chanel on satelite. I also think the movie may be available to rent. Thank you for the site. One other thing. I see the name Jeff cote. I am wondering if Jeff cote is any relation to Gerry cote who was a Worcester cop.

Yeah, the Insane Asylum isn't in commission anymore, I've driven up to it and around the property, its all falling apart, and the building is condemned, I drove around to the back, their's a bunch of stuff back there, pretty creepy to drive around at during the night time (I went twice, once in the day).

i have been inside the worcester state hospital. i told a state trooper that i found an opening and he let me follow him in through a kicked down door(probably from teenagers). it was very old inside. everything was still in place . i guess when it closed, everyone just walked out and left everything. i saw the room numbers above the rooms. the beds were still there. the so called treatment tools were still on tables where patients were once tortured. it was quite amazing going inside. i went in with permision with an officer because i told about the opening.

Drove up the hill to look at the buildings the other day (May 15, 2004). My grandfather was a truck driver, that used to make deliveries there. He used to tell a story about one day that he entered a door that locked behind him. When he told staffmembers he was making a delivery and needed to get back to his truck, they didn't believe him and thought he was a patient. Luckily he still had the delivery paperwork in his pocket, or he may have been staying for a while!! I think it is a shame that they are left to crumble. They are very impressive and should be restored in some way. Does anyone know of any effort to do this?

While doing genealogical research in Northampton, Mass. I found a record for an Elijah Dickinson of Hatfield, Massachusetts who was committed to the "Wocester Insane Retreat" in 1866. It may be that originally there was an even older hospital on the same site.

Does anyone know what year this place was built or if there indeed was a hospital there before it? In doing some geneaological research, i found some census records from an "insane asylum" in Worcester in the 1860s. The descriptions of it were pretty gruesome. I wonder if this was the site.

My great, great grandfather died at the Worcester Sanitarium 10 Feb 1872, age 37, of a brain disorder. It would be interesting to have more information about his case, yet I have no idea where to begin. He was married, had children and a life as a fisherman in Gloucester. Next documentation lists him as dying at the Worcester Sanitarium of a brain disorder. I do know that many disorders considered treatable now were all lumped together back then as brain disorders. He could have had something as simple as seizures or even been schizophrenic. Anyone know how to go about doing medical genealogy?

I would truely love to see inside as I am a paranormal investigator. part of a group currently called "the silent" I wonder if it is possible to aquire a permit to get inside with my team and some equiptment.

I'm a Woodward and my Great, Great, etc. Grandfather was Dr. Samuel B. Woodward, the first Superintendent of the Asylum. I have a copies of a few of his papers, but my Grandmother Kathleen E. Woodward handed the bulk of them over to the Hospital 30 or 40 years ago. And medicine (mostly psychiatric) has continued to be the family passion through all the subsequent generations. There are a few in my immediate family.

I was at and inside the old asylum last night looking around the old patient wing it is very neglicted inside that building. some part are just clear out and empty and dont look to bad excpt for the lead paint peeling of, but there are some parts of the building where the stock piled the old chairs. The upper floors are the open floors with nothing in them but the ground level floor is a desaster broken glass about a hundered chairs in one room oh yeah and we found a old paino which sound freakin scary as hell. on the second and third floor and the atic the police use for k-9 and fire training because the is a maze on the second floor that is only big enough for a dog. I wish i could have gotting in to another building like the main building to see what was in there or in the hospital section because i heard that there is the morge in the basment but there was nothing in the basement of the paitent wing. the majoity of the building for the old picture is gone. old that is left is the adminisative building, nurses building, and the one of the paitent buildings. it is very sad that most of it is gone but it was probly nocked down for the surround hospital also the fire took a good part of it to. well thats i have to tell i want to go back and breakinto the main building some day untill that happens good bye.

I am 17 and i live near Fitchburg, i just wanted to say its good people are trying to protect this place because in its own way it is beautiful and stunning, it is from our past and holds the lure of the past, but locks out the future it is great to see places like this still standing and unused from the time when they were the heart of the community

this is a very interesting website.the first time i went to the worcester state asylum,or as i call it "the old mental institution",i was 9.i just started getting into abandon buildings with spooky features and pasts so i found the clock tower on the hill really fascinating.i'm now 13 and whenever i'm with my dad he takes me up there to look around.it never gets boring and it i hope it remains up there and any secrets of it will be revealed in time.maybe even stories of torture of something which wouldn't have been nice for the people who went there but for the people who like that stuff.truth can be a scary thing.but scary just as necissary.thanks.

What a shame! Isn't the old state hospital building close to MIT or another school of higher learning? Why can't they take over this historical and beautiful building and restore it? Worcester has old money; what happened to the spirit of giving that their forefathers had? Where's philanthropists that don't know what to do with that old money?

I played in a band that used to come to Worcester quite a bit. I spotted the clock tower from a highway when we were out driving around one afternoon. I had to go see it, what is it about this building that just draws you to it? It took my breath away. I later went back at night and filmed with a spotlight. I asked around at the club we played, and was told "that's the old insane asylum!" Figures... The next time we came into town, I went right up to the hospital, and was heartbroken to see that there had been that fire. It had just recently happened, and it was hard to look at the black, charred sections, the roof falling in in places. I thought for sure someone would use that an an excuse to destroy the rest of this beautiful old building with so much history. There are so few of these amazing Kirkbride buildings left, it's such a shame. The remaining parts of the building, especially the Administration building, needs to be preserved. By the way, I noticed someone mentioned this as the building from "Session 9." Actually the movie was filmed at Danvers State Hospital, not WSH. Still, a very good movie, and DSH steals the show. I believe DSH is even more endangered than WSH, so if you're nearby, hopefully you'll get to see it before something bad happens to it. I hope to one day be able to get back up to Worcester and see WSH again. Thank you for this site.

I have lived in Worcester all my life and have always been fascinated by WSH. Last year I inquired about getting inside with permission to do some filming, etc. and was basically told "no" since it is still a functioning hospital (outpatient) and it was not safe. Have tried to get a group of people to go with me some night and "sneak" in, but no takers!!!

Hello. I was dissapointed to find out that most of this building has been torn down. I recently found the directions and am planning on photographing it. As well as exploring the inside. I will also be going to Norwich State soon. If anyone wants to tag along email Abbyashford@iwon.com

This site gives lots of info on many asylums and such...My great grandfather died here (George C. Bond, Sr.), a mentally challenged granddaughter walked in on HIM taking a bath and his family stuck him here....My great aunt was a nurse here (Etta M. Bond) and was actually thrown down the stairs by a patient..my Grandfather (Ralph C. Hatstat, Sr.) Worked in the boiler room of the hospital(s) and got electocuted but lived to tell about it. It was so good to see this...yet so very sad...To get more history go to this website http://www.kirkbridebuildings.com/buildings/index.html

Worcester State Hospital Look Like a Castle was built in 1877 instead of 1352

This building is beautiful. It draws you in and won't let you take your eyes off of it. It calls to you in a slow, quiet, eerie tone. I assume it is haunted, from what I hear of the torture and deaths that took place inside the hospital. Even the grounds would hold sad, detained spirits. I plan on taking a trip up there to photograph it. If they restored the old railroad building to their current beauty, they could easily do the same for this building....or does no one want to touch it because of it's chilling history??

What very interesting site. It kept me intrigued by all the writings shared. Just think this would be the makings of a good book and photography. I would to go see The WSH.

The architecture of not only WSH but the rest of the state hospitals is amazing. The remains of these buildings should remind us of the memories of those who silently passed within their walls. As a former guard and officer for the DMH, I worked at the old Grafton State Hospital and occassionaly at WSH back in the late 1950's through early 70's. I saw alot of "medical treatment" for the "insane". Back then, there wasn't a great understanding of mental illness. At the very first display of odd behavior, people (often children) would be brought to these hospitals and abandoned as their caretakers did not want to be burdened with them. Some where legitimately mentally ill and were subject to some rather barbaric procedures. Whatever the degree of illness, many of these patients spent thier lives in these institutions, forgotten about by the rest of the world. Upon thier passing, they were buried in institution cemetaries on or near the hospital grounds with nothing more than a small number marker upon thier graves. Some, who were veterans, were afforded a small American flag and marker to honor their service. One such cemetary exists near the old Grafton State. The remaining institutions are reminders of our past, they are monuments symbolizing early beautiful architecture and they are the bearers of haunting memories. Many of these buildings still stand decaying from the interior, many have already been disposed of. Hopefully some of these institutions will be preserved as historical landmarks for future generations to view and learn about the heritage within.

I was born and raised in Worcester. Have a relative, now in his 70's, who worked at WSH in his last year of high school. He told the family of pretty sadistic abuses of the inmates there. I think his feeling rang out that most folks living there were treated in just about the same way, no matter what their illness was. Amazingly, he found there, a girlfriend of my mother. She had been placed there by her parents solely because she had become engaged to a young man of another faith. I don't know the exact scenario, but I do know that my mother somehow got to her friend and was able to get her released. (The parents had died.) However, there had been a passage of perhaps 25 years, and the friend had that strange, frightened look that you sometimes see on people held in places such as WSH. She was a funny, adventurous kid according to my mom. The parents told the community that their daughter had died. Whenever I venture to the nursing facility on Salisbury St in Worcester to visit with my mother who was placed there by a "well meaning" relative, I get that same feeling of foreboding that I had as a child passing by the WSH on the way to Boston on Rt 9. The exteriors of these buildings are amazing and well kept. Sadly, the inside of institutions like these still in existence, have that sense and often the smell ... of neglect. I could go on even more. Being an actor and a writer, my dramatic side is overly heightened. I watched SESSION 9 also, and was taken right back to Worcester. Thank you for this site. I believe we can learn much from each other.

It is great to see these pictures and read some of the history on this beautiful building. My grandfather was chief engineer of the power plant at the hospital for many years. I can remember Sunday dinners as a child where he would head out the door in the middle of a meal because his pager went off and he had to respond to a problem at the hospital. In the early 1990's the power plant was officially named after him and a name plaque was set in the building above the doorway.

I think the University of Massachusetts is in the area of the place that still open, now. I checked it out once and saw how tiny the rooms were with those wide-mesh, metal security screen walls. I got put into Gardner State Hospital by the court when I was seventeen. I think they were involved with each other. Some say Gardner was worse. I saw some horror I'll never forget. They were sadists. That stuff really happens. So the judge felt sorry for me and dismissed my case. Just being there scarred me for life. The people working there are more disturbed than the disfunctional victims. There were some sexy chicks working in there, but the place was a nightmare. The downs they gave were all right, though. They gave this naked guy a shot of metrozol, and he went into violent convulsions. And they caught me watching them do to him.

I've been readin up on this for a long time, a very big history of Worcester that not many know about. I've heard many horror stories, which I dont doubt. As you know the medical practive back then was much diffrent from now, you could have had a large mole and could be sent here. My Grandfather told a story of a friends father who was sent there, becuase of domestic abuse, and later died in there. The stories go on. I've heard many stories, and decided to go tonight, I went around 4:00 and looked outside, and drove around. I went back at night and there was a cop on patrole. I'm looking into going in and Photographing. The horror that went on in there is scary, and to think the vibe you will get, Im considering it, if you are please email me

My grandmother was a patient here in the 1920's. She was out on a weekend pass and died during that weekend. Probable suidide they say, she was found in a floating dead in a pond in Fall River. I've tried to get her medical records years about with no luck. Wow, how sad mental illness was back then. Several memember of our family suffer from mental illness and how lucky we are to have the treatment and help that we havve today. My hearts breaks from what she must have gone through. She is resting in peace knowing this granddaughter loves her and will never forget what pain she must have gone through. Love you always Grandma Maud

I've heard so many horror stories about people who have gone to WSH at night and different people who don't even know each other share the same paranormal stories. Im going there soon to see if something out of the ordinary happens. Have any of you heard of these things? Also is it true about all the rapes and murders that were occuring just before the place was closed down? i can't find any websites about that.

I found a check from "Asylum for the Chronic Insane" at Worcester, Mass dated Dec. 10, 1879 in the amount of $18.10. It was signed by Albert Wood, Treasurer. The check was drawn on an account from City National Bank of Worcester, check no. 1420 and made payable to F.P. Oliver. I've also noticed for the first time that "Putnam & Davis Stationers, Worcester, Mass." is printed under the check no. I have it framed and displayed in my office. Does anyone know any more details about that time, the Treasurer or what the check could be written for? $18.10 was a lot of money then! Thanks!

Very interisting site. I would love to see the pictures mentioned above of the Hospital that Erica took as my husband and I are paranormal investigators. I would really like to check them out. Thanks for your time. Margaret Hebert www.shadowsamongus.com Co-Author--Shadows Among Us Regional Director for GA. for GAPEC, Georgia Paranormal Educational Council

Ive been there before and it was very scary. I've seen it from far away also and i think about why these people were placed in there and what kind of treatment was used on them.

I just happened to look at these pictures on the website. The background, with the trees, are quite stunning, and beautiful. But, the hospitals, sort of freaked me out. You see, while I grew up, I went through major child abuse, and my brother was insane, in addition to being evil. One can be insane, and still know right from wrong. He knew that sins made God angry, but he didn't care. Insanity is no excuse when it comes to abusing an innocent little child. No excuse at all. My family, and doctor says that it takes years for victims of child abuse to overcome it. And, I have come a ways. Exposure to these pictures of the hospitals will help me overcome my fear of them. I thank the people who submitted them. Thanks a great bundle.-Mary

I do not have a picture, but I was born on the grounds at worcester state I lived at 269 belmont st the house was called prospect cottage my dad was the chief supervisor at the hospital I lived there from 1925-1940 when I went in to the army.I loved seeing the pictures thanks .

My mother was in Worcester and I do remember visiting her. I was still young then, but I will never forget the big doors and the small room she was kept in.I never wanted to go and visit her, because I was so afraid of the people end the whole setup. I do remember an old lady singing in her room as she heard us walk past. and as soon as you"d stop, she would stop singing. I really don"t think my mom was crazy, I think she just suffered from severe depression. There was no sign that she was a lunatic. She kept saying to my dad "get me out of here, please! nothing is wrong with me". And thats the last words I heard coming out of her mouth. Unfortunately I never saw her again, because my dad decided to move to South Africa. My mom was left alone. I can only imagine how she must of felt, hoping to for that every day you might see your family, and one day, they just never return. I just hope that she forgave us for leaving her alone.

I am a resident in worcester. and i have been to the worcester state hospital many times. weve taken many pictures , but havent yet gained access. hospitals we have been inside are Northapton and Metropolitan in waltham ,MA next on are list is Danvers figured id share

In 1982 I did a nursing internship at Worcester State Hospital.It was a fascinating experience coupled by a daily view of the old, unused buildings which captured my fullest attention because of the beautiful architectural structure and an active imagination about if "those walls could talk..." Two of us befriende a social worker who was kind enough to take us on a personal tour through most parts of the old building before the fire. It spoke in and of itself of history, the patients and a milieu environment. We had the opportunity to find such treasures as glass negatives of former patients and old checks from the 1800's with the artistic wording of Worcester Insane Asylum. One day I did some marvelous black and white photography of the exterior on a rainy, foggy day which captured it's profound essence. I have since written a lengthy short story which I hope one day will be published. I think the clock tower has fascinated many who have seen it from a distance as well as close up.

Also once known as the Worcester Lunatic Asylum and the Bloomingdale Asylum, this psychiatric facility's history dates back to before the main building was built. On January 12, 1833, the old Worcester Insane Asylum opened, and was the first of it's kind built in the state of Massachusetts. It was build to hold 120 patients and when overcrowding became a problem, a new hospital was to be built - a massive structure laid out in the Kirkbride plan. Construction began in 1870 and the newly built Worcester State Hospital opened seven years later. Designed by architect Ward P. Delano of the firm Fuller & Delano of Worcester, the flagstone and brick building stood four stories tall, and between the 500 foot wings stood a beautiful clock tower, looming above the administration building. The building seems to reflect more of a prison complex in the styles, layout, and sheer size of the institution. On an interesting note, Sigmund Freud visited the hospital in 1909 during his only trip to America. A massive fire engulfed the Kirkbride building on July 22, 1991, destroying almost all of the roof and floors, save for the right most wing and the administration building. The hospital still functions as a psychiatric facility in a large, newer building near the Kirkbride. Again my great grandfather was the Fuller from Fuller & Delano of Worcester and I have seen all the sketches of the building that his firm made and still have them some place in storage. I will see if I can find them when I clean out this summer.

Oh and the movie Session 9 was filmed in Danvers at the Danvers State Hospital not in Worcester at this building.

Once known as the Worcester Lunatic Asylum and the Bloomingdale Asylum, this psychiatric facility's history dates back to before the main building was built. On January 12, 1833, the old Worcester Insane Asylum opened, and was the first of it's kind built in the state of Massachusetts. It was located on 1833 and in the first year alone 164 patients were received. Overcrowding became a problem, and Merrick Bemis, the superintendent at the time, called for the construction of a new asylum - a massive structure laid out in the Kirkbride plan and located on Belmont Street. Construction began in 1870 and the newly built Worcester State Hospital was completed in 1877 at the cost of well over a million dollars. Designed by architect Ward P. Delano of the firm Fuller & Delano of Worcester, the flagstone and brick building stood four stories tall, and between the 500 foot wings stood a beautiful clock tower, looming above the administration building. The building seems to reflect more of a prison complex in the styles, layout, and sheer size of the institution. On an interesting note, Sigmund Freud visited the hospital in 1909 during his only trip to America. A massive fire engulfed the Kirkbride building on July 22, 1991, destroying almost all of the roof and floors, save for the right most wing and the administration building. The burned out shells of the other areas were bulldozed and the extra stone was used to seal up the gaping holes left by the connections to the remaining sections. The hospital still functions as a psychiatric facility in a large, newer building near the Kirkbride, which now threatens to close as well. In 2004 a proposal to build a new facility on this property was put into the works and calls for all of the remaining newer and old building to be torn down. The current patients in the newer building have no air conditioning and the room tempters get up to and over 100 in the summer. Erecting the new hospital will take the place of both the current Westboro and Worcester State hospitals. Summer Again my great grandfather was the Fuller from Fuller & Delano of Worcester and I have seen sketches of the buildings that his firm made and still have them some place in storage. I will see if I can find them when I clean out this summer. One last thing the Movie Session 9 was not filmed in Worcester as someone had stated it was filmed in Danvers State Hospital Danvers MA. As of June 2006, all of the Danvers State Hospital buildings that were marked for demolition have been torn down, including all of the buildings on the lower grounds and all of the buildings on the hill except for the center most sections of the Kirkbride building. Housing properties will be located on the former grounds available for rent/sale if they are not already.

The west wing of the hospital along with other parts of the hospital were either condemned or burned down. Permission from the city was granted to fox film corporation for the filming of an episode of the X files to take place in the building.

my friends and I are taking a tour of most of the abandoned psychiatric buildings on the east coast since we live next to Kings Park,Central Islip,and Pilgram Psychiatric Centers we wanna get out and see the other ones. this one is on our list to check out

I had two Great Aunts placed in Worcester State Hospital for the insane. They were placed there by someone we don't know who. Elsie Lincoln in about 1915 at age 22 or 23 and Caroline Lincoln on May 13th 1921 age 25. No one would talk about them ever. It is a very sad story they both lived to be over 80. Their father abandoned them as young girls and their Mother had a hard time bringing up her four daughters. I can not imagine the horror they must have been through. We don't even know were Elsie is buried.

For all of you who had relatives at WSH and are trying to get their medical records, let me tell you of my experience. Maybe I was just lucky and talked to the right people at the right time, but maybe this will help you. I needed Aunt Isa's death certificate to prove that she was indeed my aunt. No one alive knew that she was there. She had just dropped out of sight, but I found her in the 1920 census. Everyone thought she was a dressmaker in Boston, so no one believed that this person in the listed in the census at the State Hospital could be the same person. I talked to a very helpful person in the Worcester City Clerk's office. I was assuming she died there and gave her a date range of about 20 years. She happily checked their records and within just a few minutes was reading me her death certificate. It was indeed my aunt. I then called WSH to find out how to get her medical records. I needed to have myself appointed a "volunary executor" for medical records only. This entailed driving to the City Hall, getting the death certificate, walking next door to the courthouse and filling out the paperwork, handing over $120 and within minutes, I was appointed her voluntary executor. I then just needed to mail a copy of the death certificate, together with the court order to Worcester State Hospital and within 6 weeks I had most of her records. They even included an original photo of her that was in her files. It is the only photo known to exist of her. They were absolutely wonderful and helpful to me. Good luck to all of you. Don't give up.

does anyone have directions or where it's near?

does anyone know if it is still open or if not can you go there?

A relative of mine was an inmate there on several occasions. He was a Civil War Vet and suffered PTTS from the Battle of Fort Fisher. I have a letter from 1865 noting his presence there in CW pension records. The letterhead, "Worcester Lunatic Hospital" is even unsettling. He was in and out all the remaining years of his life; the last mention we have is 1900 census records placing him there. Go here for some awesome picture of WSH both inside and out: http://www.kirkbridebuildings.com/buildings/worcester.html

Worcester State is an amazing series of buildings. I had seen a few pics online and decided to go and check it out for myself. I was glad to see the constant presence of police driving around through the campus - a place like this needs to be protected and saved. Unfortunately, it seems that most of them become the victim of short-sighted city officials, who always seem to forget the history and amazing architecture and think only of potential profit NOW...This is how Northampton State Hospital was lost, and no matter what, we can never get it back. This place was devastated by a fire many years ago, but the buildings that are left are still beautiful and they stand as monuments to our history. I would love to be able to gain access to the inside of the hospital to take pictures, just in case some idiot politicians and developers decide to rip it all down instead of saving it.

Reading all of your stories have been most revealing about the history of the WSH. My mom worked for a time as a Nurse's Aid in the late 50's so I remember her talking about her experiences there. Plus over the years there was talk of some people walking about and hearing someone say that they actually lived at the WSH. But some of your stories are quite sad because of what people could do back then as far as having someone committed for no apparent reason other than to get rid of them because you can't deal with them. It's too bad that these buildings were taken better care of over the years because they are beautiful pieces of craftmanship. It's too bad also that Martin Scorsese could not film his next movie there because of construction that will be taking place on the property at the same time that he wants to film. Can we get a petition going about this?

I am a student at Mississippi State University. I am researching the culture of early asylum/state medical facilities...it would be very helpful if any of you who knew someone in this facility (patient/faculty) could chat with me over email. i am very interested in this side of the story. i think personal accounts are the only way to know the truth. thanks! please respond to this if you would like my email; or if you would like to correspond over this page

Kari, email me @ lagunacat@hotmail.com

Grew up in Shrewsbury and remember Worcester State Hospital very well. My grandmother Grace Joubert worked there for many years as an LPN on a locked ward and used to tell us some interesting stories of her day. My Uncle Patrick Hehir worked there as well in the laundry dept., he was the Supervisor/boss. and my father Bernard Ducharme (Duke) also worked there as well in ground maintance. So sad to see such a wonderful pierce of work reduced to just one building and with such a sad history for some. I hope they at least try to save this last structure so least we never forget what once was. twospirit@yahoo.com

I have been working up at the WSH complex this week. I have been in the old tunnels and in the old buildings, getting them ready to be demolished. The Clock Tower and a few other buildings are staying. The buildings are very DANGEROUS. There are holes in the floors and the ceilings are coming down. I get a deep sense of sorrow when I go into these structers. The tunnels are wet, creepy and have four legged creatures in them (raccoons, ect..). I beleive that the new complex will be a much better place and the treatment will be better for the patients.

I have stumbled upon this page because i do look for haunted places to investigate the history of. I am amazed and astounded by what i have read thus far. I would love to speak to some people who have worked/known someone or had family there, and if anyone know more about the fire that would be fantastic. I do have email and Instant Messenging. Please share your stories with me if you are willing i would appreciate it hmf5722 @ gmail.com (omit spaces)

www.myspace.com/xfreak_boyx i ve been obsessed with the buildings 4 years

Pete Talor, Stefanie M Fuller, Erica (whose grandmother was Lillian Reinholdt), and Pam B. I was very intrigued by your stories and relatives who either were patents of Worcester State Hospital or worked there for a number of years. I am a student and very interested in their stories so if you ever see this message please email me at Lmt7749@rit.edu. Lauren T.

i weent herrre...

used to jog up there before the fire in 91. I was with a friend and we were jogging around back, near that weird circular merry go round of johns looking thing(what the hell is that anyways?)and some loud eerie sobbing was coming from inside..yes, it was loud..coming from a totally boarded up place..well, either someone was screwing with us or someones soul is forever interned there...

I am wondering if anyone can tell me where the insane asylum is in fitchburg ma. please email me and let me know. i hear that it is haunted and i wanted to check it out. my email address is JenAsh1019@aol.com

If anyone is looking for more information on Old Worcester State Hospital (one of the original Kirkbride Buildings) there are fantastic pictures here: http://www.opacity.us/gallery162_back_for_one_more.htm There are two galleries of the building, one done a few years back, and one done shortly before the demolition of the building. The building was being looked at by Paramount Productions at the end of last year for the filming of "Shutter Island" (directed by Martin Scorcese) however the filming was not allowed to take place here due to the fact that it was in preparation to be demolished. (http://www.telegram.com/article/20071209/NEWS/712090472/1116) For anyone looking to view the building/what is left of it: The building is located on Belmont Street (Rt. 9) in Worcester, beside the newer Worcester State Hospital, and behind Abbott Bioresearch Center. The clock tower can be seen from many parts of worcester though, namingly the dining room of Vinny T's down by Lake Quinsigamond.

Wow, I was a patient at the state hospital a few years back and i knew someone there called Andy Delano...

My parents met at Worcester State Hospital in the 1930s. My mother was a nurse and my father an orderly. Interesting to see these pictures. I intend my autobiography to start with the phrase "My parents met in an insane asylum..."

To one that commented that the movie Session 9 featured Worcester State Hospital- that is incorrect- It actually features Danvers state hospital which has now mostly been converted into a housing complex.

i can relate to the fire because i started it totaley by mistake i was on the clock leagaly punched in scraping stainless steel out of the condemed cafeterior section of the old galley we were three bodies only the boss 80 years old stands and observes charlie and i do the work we are cutting stainless with full permishion as this is far from our visitwe were running oxy acetalene cutting torches to harvest stainless steel from the main kitchen where during the 1920s all the meals were prepared for the inmates which could have numberd up to three thousand many mounths before the fire my crew was responsible for i explored the entire building from the inside alone second visit i was acompenied by a female i worked with we fought our way to the dungeons in the lowest levels of the catacombsflashlight in hand two stories below ground level offers no windows and no light if you can get in alone fight your way to the lowest level this is where i observed underground holding cells with stone floors stone ceilings and stone walls and one small drainage ditch in the middle of the floor the cell was to be totally dark there were no bars on the base level cells the doors were cast iron square on the bottom oval on top no window and one food slot 18 inches wide by five inches tall i stood at the end of this atrocity and gazed on down the hall i quickley estimated seventy holding cellsthirty five on the left and thirty five on the right the visual was very sugestive and profoundley disturbing ican onley guess this section most likley seen its last inhabitants before the turn of the century moving up one level you are still below ground level if you look up to the apex of ceiling meets wall you see some sunlightfirst sign of ground level window strange medical equipment on this leveli wittness first hand most times alone stainless steel bathtubsnot for the general population numbers are limited to three tubs again population 3000 on the average im may be spittballing here and i have no proof i am guessing the tubs in question contained water and ice to instill hypothermia in a subject known at the time to cure many types of mental disorders moving across the hallstill in complete darkness sits an examanation room mind you we are still in the cattacombs and here is the reason i fought my way down in the first place looming out of the dark like a septer wasthe chair nothing like i had expected it was more sinester it held an air of doom torture travels many avenues i believe such things will quite possibley go to the level of medium discomfort at the norm and major discomfort at the extreme who can tell? moving right along totaly alone without a guide or other human let me proceed to the first level above ground there are five to follow alldormatories with iron bars over all windows it looks like a russion gulag sincerley for those of younot familiar with the visual on a russian gulag in generaldownload photos of the worcester insane asylem i have been in many times and usualy go alone during the fall of 1991 i was 33 years of age my boss was 83 years of age my right hand man and helper charlie was 53 years of age there were no other employees on our team at any time my boss went to the powers to be in the city of worcester mass. and asked if he could haul abandoned metals to scrap? they said one truck and one visit per day nothing more cool for an elderly senile old bastard we were in well chuck and i haul the oxegen and acetalene tanks and hosesin to the cattacombs devoid of light and we visulize the galley about as simpleas visulizing the lower decks of the titanic during her desent we set up our equipment and prepared to cut meatal charlie was at the controls charlie and i go back a ways this has longjevety charles was cuttin stainless in the old galley i was running for water in five gallon buckets to pour very slowley on areas that threten to smolder like incence will but wont bust out in flame the old steam pots as large asthree 55 gallon trash canscombined are suspended over a sturdy plywood deck cool in theory however not today the ply wood was begging to decompose therefore producing decomposed woodpowder thatwill smolder viciosley without a visable flame we dragged 700 poundsof stainless that morning it was not our first visit we left at 3pm charlie called me at 6pm and said turn on your tv to ch six and the baloon went up iin the course of fast time i was responsible for the biggest fire being a nine alarm to sweep the county or state for that mater weren runing hot stuff in there and fire broke out one hour after we went home

it was an incredible blase bar none we managed to leave a fraction of the existing building thank god

I work there and i've been pushed down the stairs and heard screaming and crying! I'm a nurse and I think I will quit my job. I've seen tools they used to torture people and it's so sad.

I work there and i've been pushed down the stairs and heard sobbing. I've seen the tools they use and it's so sad. I've been in the tunnels and and many of the old rooms. it still looks like someone sleeps in the bed. The graves are sad to there are only numbers no name. I am a nurse there and take care of people. I'm quitting my job.

I work there too and I'm quitting my job! I've been locked in aroom for an hour I've been pushed down a garbage shoot and I heard moaning and screaming and loud bone crunching noises. it was the worst expierence in the world. I feel bad for you!

I've visited this place twice. Sadly I never got to see it when it was still a whole structure, but I did see the last of the buildings before they were destroyed, leaving only the clock-tower building to remain. I find it in so many ways, Impressing,oppressing and depressing. So many people were subjected to miserable lives and death in that place. Many I'm certain that were perfectly good people, but from all the story I've read so far it only leaves my insides buckling, like I'm about to cry.-The tightening feeling in your thought.. I am 27 now, but when i was either 6 or 7 years old, my parents decided to have me put under psychiatric observation at U-Mass memorial. It must have been the mid to late 1980's, and this hospital was almost right next-door from that creep show on the hill. Why my parents placed me in there is anyone's guess.You can imagine today I'm somewhat angry about it. Like any other little girl I was simply a child, but because I did not have any friends and wrote my name backwards apparently bought me a one way ticked to the 4th floor ward of U-mass for what was planned to be 3 weeks. I remember the first room they put me in was at the very end of the hall on the right, and in that room every night after five I had a picture window view of the sun setting behind that haunting clock-tower up on the hill. At some point I just had to ask one of the nurses what that place was and they told me. it scared me.I was young, but not young enough to not be unable to make the association between the mental ward I was on, and the mental hospital up on the hill. The entire site of it has me both curious and creeped out at the same time, but what scares and sedans me most is how much I can relate to the poor souls that once dwelled that place. While I might not have ever been treated with high voltage shock therapy, or spun around in a chair hanging from a sealing, I was locked in a little room one night. I never forgot about the shots, the blood drawings, the odd medications and tests they kept running me through. Everyday meant a new activity of some kind.I knew what it was to be the only sane person among a bunch of insane children. I knew what it was to look out the window the way those patients once did and wonder how I ended up where I was, wondering why and weather it was because of something I had done wrong, when the next time would be that my family visited, weather the next visit would be someone to help pack my things and bring me home.How desperate I was to be home with my family where i could play in my back-yard with my sister and sleep in my own bed... I was dismissed close to 2 weeks early because my parents knew it was destroying me. But by then it was pretty late, and to this day the scar still runs deep.

My dad worked there for years, 1960's to 1997, had to quit for cancer took him on. He was a head cook, name Clyde Newell, He loved it when the kids were there. He said one little girl would always come in and give him a flower and say thank you for a good meal

I want to thank Shirley Burchfield for her comments. I had a great grandfather who died in Worcester State in 1923. I knew from his death certificate where he died but I didn't know how to research further. I followed what Shirley did. I became an executor of his estate through Worcester Probate Court for $130.00. I then submitted that document to the Worcester State Hospital Medical Records Dept. They informed me that they had all records. None were shreaded. I was shocked. I work in the medical field and records may be destroyed after seven years. After 8 months of back and fourth between medical records, I had given up. Then I received a phone call that they found his records. I received 20 pages of interesting records about him and even some good secrets. Of course, it opened up pandora's box. Thank you, Shirley, for your post.

Festus Boombarlard!

Festus Boombarlard?

ATTN: PETE TAYLOR - Our mothers had about the same work history at WSH. My mother, a nurse, worked there from 1960 to 1985. She also started as a social worker, so she could get home for our lunches, then as a nursing supervisor and retired as Asst. Director of Nursing. She just died 2/07/09 at 90 years old. I have found a folder containing a series of articles in the T&G about patient abuses at WSH. My mother "said" these articles resulted in an undercover operation by the State Police that resulted in a large roundup of people involved in multiple types of illegal activies that went on withing the hospital. This roundup occurred all on one morning at 6am, while the evening shift were sleeping and before the night shift left the hospital. the alleged abuses took place mostly during the evening and night shifts. There were 99 people arraigned and they used the worcester auditoriumas as the arraignment site. Do you have any info on these matters?

my mother was a patient at worcester state in the 1950's. she was there for 5 years. she became pregnant while a patient there 3 times. i would like to know if anyone has had this same thing happen to them.

To A above-I just recently found out that a friend of mine was born at WSH in 1968. His mother died years ago (before I met him) and I don't know the reason why she was there or if she became pregnant while she was a patient or what. My friend has kept this a secret all the years I've known him, I knew he was born in Worcester but not exactly where. I also knew he never met his father, but my friend and other members of the family all claim they knew who he was, and nothing else was said about the father. I was talking to his aunt the other day about birth certificates and she mentioned he was born at WSH, I didn't ask any further, I was a little surprised at the fact. I don't know if my info was much help to you, A, but I'm still suprised that children were actually born at WSH, wouldn't you think they'd send a patient in labor to another hospital to have a baby? Did WSH have a maternity ward? I'm going to ask the aunt for more info the next time I talk to her, I'm curious.