The History of Western State Lunatic Asylum: How Yesterday’s Beliefs Shape Today’s Mental Health Care

Step into Staunton’s history with Annie Hawkins, host of Valley Echoes, and David Simms, author of Fear the Reaper, as they explore the evolving story of the Western State Lunatic Asylum. Once considered a model of “moral medicine,” Western State later became a site of eugenics, psychosurgical interventions, and ultimately deinstitutionalization. Together, we’ll trace these shifting beliefs and treatments, and reflect on how they continue to shape our understanding of mental health care today. If time allows, Annie will also address the legacy of privatization and remembrance, including the more than 3,000 unmarked graves still on the property. Free and open to the public. Seating is limited.