The Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse is currently displaying a traveling exhibition, “The Lives they Left Behind: Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic.”
During the 1995 closing of Willard Psychiatric Center in Seneca County, 400 suitcases from former patients were found. Many of the suitcases were filled with personal belongings and artifacts of past patients of the psychiatric center. The exhibition showcases five of the original suitcases that were left behind and the contents within them. Historical belongings along with medical records give a glimpse into the lives of the five patients portrayed in the exhibit.
Beautiful gowns, shoes, shaving utensils and diary entries linger amongst personal items found in the original suitcases. Pictures, stories and medical records surround each patient's suitcase display.
The exhibit showcases the events and hardships that led to their enrollment in the facility. Often their misfortunes locked their fate to a lifetime at the center. A powerful connection between the owners and their belongings humanize each patient, breaking down the labels of those in mental hospitals. The personal possessions found in the suitcases allow individuals viewing the display to enter the world of each patient and look beyond the stereotype. The exhibit successfully portrays each patient's connection to the community; their accomplishments, education and career, love life and family.
Also portrayed are each patient's struggle with seclusion and their loss of connectedness.
For example, Lawrence, born in 1874 during the time of the Hungarian Empire, came to America. He was very religious and often spoke of spiritual associations. He had been placed in Willard after a head injury. After being admitted, Lawrence stayed at Willard his entire life right up until his death in 1968. Medical records and evaluations state that Lawrence never took any medication the whole time he was there. One doctor even noted how incredibly healthy Lawrence was. Every day, Lawrence took care of the grounds and landscaping of the hospital's cemetery, digging plots for his fellow patients. He continued to be the gravedigger right up until his death. After his death, the cemetery became overgrown with weeds and grass. Today, grave markers are seen thrown alongside trees and gullies, erasing any visualization that this area is a cemetery.
“‘The Lives They Left Behind' presents a meaningful opportunity for the Everson to play a part in raising awareness and educating our community about issues related to mental health, both past and present,” said Pam McLaughlin, Everson's curator of education and public programs. “Our society has, over time, increased its understanding of the realities and complexities related to mental health. However a stigma still remains about those who suffer and struggle, often in silence.”
The suitcase exhibit runs through May 27. If you can't make it to Syracuse, Options is proud to be sponsoring this exhibit next spring at the Cayuga Museum.
Thought of the week:
“We must build a new world, a far better world - one in which the eternal dignity of man is respected.”
- Harry S. Truman
Amanda Derby is the housing advocate for Options for Independence.
Beautiful gowns, shoes, shaving utensils and diary entries linger amongst personal items found in the original suitcases. Pictures, stories and medical records surround each patient's suitcase display.
The exhibit showcases the events and hardships that led to their enrollment in the facility. Often their misfortunes locked their fate to a lifetime at the center. A powerful connection between the owners and their belongings humanize each patient, breaking down the labels of those in mental hospitals. The personal possessions found in the suitcases allow individuals viewing the display to enter the world of each patient and look beyond the stereotype. The exhibit successfully portrays each patient's connection to the community; their accomplishments, education and career, love life and family.
Also portrayed are each patient's struggle with seclusion and their loss of connectedness.
For example, Lawrence, born in 1874 during the time of the Hungarian Empire, came to America. He was very religious and often spoke of spiritual associations. He had been placed in Willard after a head injury. After being admitted, Lawrence stayed at Willard his entire life right up until his death in 1968. Medical records and evaluations state that Lawrence never took any medication the whole time he was there. One doctor even noted how incredibly healthy Lawrence was. Every day, Lawrence took care of the grounds and landscaping of the hospital's cemetery, digging plots for his fellow patients. He continued to be the gravedigger right up until his death. After his death, the cemetery became overgrown with weeds and grass. Today, grave markers are seen thrown alongside trees and gullies, erasing any visualization that this area is a cemetery.
“‘The Lives They Left Behind' presents a meaningful opportunity for the Everson to play a part in raising awareness and educating our community about issues related to mental health, both past and present,” said Pam McLaughlin, Everson's curator of education and public programs. “Our society has, over time, increased its understanding of the realities and complexities related to mental health. However a stigma still remains about those who suffer and struggle, often in silence.”
The suitcase exhibit runs through May 27. If you can't make it to Syracuse, Options is proud to be sponsoring this exhibit next spring at the Cayuga Museum.
Thought of the week:
“We must build a new world, a far better world - one in which the eternal dignity of man is respected.”
- Harry S. Truman
Amanda Derby is the housing advocate for Options for Independence.
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