Options for Independence, together with the Peer Networking Group of Central New York, First Niagara Bank and the Cayuga Museum, is presenting a traveling exhibit, #”The Lives They Left Behind: Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic.” The exhibit unravels secrets of past mental health patients to the community for the first public viewing in Cayuga County from Feb. 23 to April 20 at the museum.

In 1869, Willard Psychiatric Center in Seneca County opened its doors to more than 50,000 residents who were housed at Willard throughout its 126-year reign as a New York state-run institution. By the 1930s, New York operated more than 30 psychiatric centers. Patients came from prisons, institutions for the disabled and the streets. Overcrowding of these facilities made living environments impossible. During the 1970s, new laws were established to protect the rights of residents and to banish patient labor. This new legislation is linked to a drastic decline in enrollment for most state hospitals.

During the 1995 closing of Willard Psychiatric Center, 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 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 patients portrayed in the exhibit.

Beautiful gowns, shoes, shaving utensils and diary entries will linger amongst personal items found in the original suitcases left at Willard. The exhibit will showcase the events and hardships that led to the patient's enrollment into the facility. Often their misfortunes locked their fate to a lifetime at the center. A powerful connection between the owners and their belongings humanizes 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 struggles with seclusion and their loss of connections to the outside world.

“The Lives They Left Behind” is a meaningful opportunity to raise awareness and educate our community about issues related to mental health.

“#The Lives They Left Behind: Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic” will run from Saturday, Feb. 23 to Sunday, April 20, at the Cayuga Museum of History and Art. Options for Independence would like to thank The Peer Networking Group of CNY, First Niagara Bank, the New York State Council on the Arts, Wegmans and the Inn at the Finger Lakes for playing a vital role in bringing “The Lives They Left Behind: Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic” to Cayuga County.

Amanda Derby is the housing advocate for Options for Independence, located at 75 Genesee St., Auburn. She can be reached at 255-3447.