Meet The Authors - Images of America, Danvers State Hospital

Perched high on the top of Hathorne Hill, Danvers State Insane Asylum was, for more than a century, a monument to modern psychiatry and the myriad advances in mental health treatment. From the time it opened its doors in 1878 until they were shuttered for good in 1992, the asylum represented decades of reform, the physical embodiment of the heroic visions of Dorothea Dix and Thomas Story Kirkbride. It would stand abandoned until 2005, when demolition began. Along with a dedicated group of private citizens, the Danvers Historical Society fought to preserve the Kirkbride structure, an effort that would result in the reuse of the administration building and two additional wings. Danvers has earned a unique place in history; the shell of the original Kirkbride building still stands overlooking the town. Though it has been changed drastically, the asylum's story continues as do efforts to memorialize it.

On Thursday, March 15th authors Katherine Anderson and Robert Duffy will present a slide show of both images and information on the Danvers State Hospital as well as artifacts from the hospital's history. They will open the discussion for questions and their book, Images of America, Danvers State Hospital, will be available for purchase and signing. This event is FREE and open to the public at Tapley Memorial Hall, 13 Page Street. Reservations are appreciated to help with hall set up. RSVP to 978.777.1666 or E-mail to dhs@danvershistory.org .