Research

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of daily census records maintained by staff of the State Lunatic Asylum (later Utica State Hospital). Record format and information recorded varies slightly over time but always includes a daily enumeration of total male and female patients with number admitted and discharged. Other information generally consists of brief notes concerning visitors; religious services or entertainment programs; departures, destinations, and return of staff; weather; meetings; unusual canal conditions; and other events and activities.

Early reports (May 1857-October 1866) include thermometer and barometer readings, wind direction, and cloud cover information recorded three times a day. There are no records in the series for the years 1890-1905.

B1487-97: This accretion consists of census records for Utica State Hospital for March 1923-September 1955. Types of entries contained in the volumes are almost identical to the previous accession. Of special note is the data contained in the census statistics for June and July, 1931 when more than half of the population of the hospital was officially transferred to Marcy State Hospital, which officially became a separate entity on June 30, 1931.