After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal New York Morgue's Dark Secrets
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Aug 1, 2024 This time, Maddy Pelling and Anthony Delaney chat with Cat Byers, a Paris-based writer and historian diving into the overlooked history of the New York Morgue. They reveal haunting tales of unclaimed souls from the city's past, exploring the darker side of morgue practices and the controversial figure of Albert N. White. With a blend of tragedy and dark humor, Cat also discusses bizarre historical anecdotes, showcasing the surprising intersection of mortality, morality, and the human experience.
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New York Morgue Origins
- The New York morgue, modeled after the Paris morgue, opened in 1865.
- It addressed the city's need for managing the dead after the Civil War.
New York Morgue Design
- The New York morgue, while modeled after Paris', differed due to its location at Bellevue Hospital.
- This made it part of a system connecting hospital, morgue, and mass graves.
Morgue Photography
- Unlike sentimental post-mortem photos, morgue photographs served a clinical purpose: identification.
- Photographer Oscar G. Mason's photos resembled both medical images and criminal mugshots.