The Kirkbride Plan
99% Invisible
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Echoes of the Buffalo State Asylum
This chapter explores the haunting history and architectural significance of the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, highlighting its dilapidated state after years of abandonment. It recounts a visit to the site, capturing the eerie atmosphere and rich legacy of the building, which was once a pioneer in humane mental health treatment. The narrative also delves into the life of Thomas Kirkbride, a key figure in psychiatric care, and examines the broader issues surrounding the treatment of mental illness in the 19th century.
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