The Use and Implications of Photographs for Mental Health Care Reform
- Introduction
- Almshouse Care
- Early Reform Attempts
- Commission Campaign
- Aftermath
- Exhibits October 6, 1908 Report
- Traveling Exhibition images
- Montevue Asylum Images
- Curator's Comments
Traveling Exhibition Images
A sampling of photographs displayed under the auspices
The
Maryland State Lunacy Commission, 1909
Exhibitions of Commission photographs took place at Johns Hopkins University and the Maryland State House during 1909 and 1910, respectively. Both the general public and many state officials gained their first glimpse at the conditions inside the county institutions through these images. The use of captions, pasted directly below the image, helped to further reinforce the key themes targeted for reform. In addition, the commentary provided additional insight into how patients were improperly cared for within the facilities.
Baltimore County Almshouse
Baltimore County Almshouse
Transcription- County Almshouse. Interior of a room in which a white woman had been confined for nearly eight years. The photograph presents a true picture of the desolate condition of the room and the utter hopelessness of a patient confined in such a place. The patient ate her meals from a tin can, using only a pewter spoon. The patient was not violent, yet she was kept in this sheerless room, with no furniture except a small iron cot, upon which she is sitting. The patient was removed to a state hospital, where she was occupied and was much benefited. This case was only one of many found in the various almshouse and asylumns throughout the State.
Montevue Asylum
Montevue Asylum
Kent County Almshouse
Kent County Almshouse
Anne Arundel County Almshouse
Anne Arundel County Almshouse
Montevue Asylum, Frederick County
Montevue Asylum, Frederick County
Baltimore County Almshouse
Baltimore County Almshouse
Location currently unknown
Location currently unknown
Queen Anne's County Almshouse
Queen Anne's County Almshouse
Cecil County Almshouse
Cecil County Almshouse
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