State Commissioners in Lunacy visiting book
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Overview of the Records
New York State Archives
New York State Education Department
Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230
0.35 cubic feet
2 volumes
Arrangement
Chronological.
Scope and Content Note
This series consists of records of visits to the State Lunatic Asylum (later Utica State Hospital) by the members of the State Commission in Lunacy (1889-1912). Each entry gives date of visit, names and signatures of commissioner, and areas of the hospital visited. Also documented are recommendations adopted during meetings of the commissioners at Albany.
Information for each visit typically includes recommendations for improvement of safety, orderliness, and cleanliness in specific areas. Among the subjects mentioned by the commissioners are the personal appearance of attendants; sanitary conditions; furniture; grounds; building exteriors; machinery and shops; dining facilities; wards; fire prevention equipment; record keeping; patient appearance, behavior, treatment, and care; and heating.
B1490-97: This accretion consists of bound typescript and carbon copies of notes of visitations by Commissioners in Lunacy. Notes of seven visits are recorded. The notes of at least one visit is a duplicate of notes accessioned previously, but most appear to be unique. Some notes include a statement of secretary of the State Commission in Lunacy that the copy is a correct transcript of the original on file in the commission's office.
Custodial History
These records were transferred to the State Archives on September 16, 1996 from Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center under RDA 19266.
B1490-97: These records were transferred to the State Archives on May 7, 1997 from Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center under RDA 19266
Access Restrictions
There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.
Access Terms
New York (State). State Lunatic Asylum
New York (State). Office of Mental Health