New York State Department of Mental Hygiene Patient Cartoons B2452

New York State Department of Mental Hygiene Patient Cartoons

Some content may contain outdated and offensive terminology. See: New York State Archives Statement on Language in Descriptive Resources

Overview of the Records

Repository:

New York State Archives
New York State Education Department
Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230

Summary:

This series consists of 114 cartoons, in pencil, drawn by a patient at Middletown State Hospital in the late 1950s and early 1960s, depicting life at the hospital from the patient's perspective. The patient was assigned to a continued care, community-centered program at Middletown. The cartoons include reactions to major changes, such as women being permitted in men's wards. Also included are clinical notes pertaining to the patient.

Creator:

New York (State). Department of Mental Hygiene

Title:

Patient cartoons

Quantity:

0.5 cubic feet

Inclusive Dates:

circa 1950-1965

Series Number:

B2452

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of 114 cartoons drawn by a patient at Middletown State Hospital in the late 1950s and early 1960s, depicting life at the hospital from the patient's perspective. The patient was assigned to a continued care, community-centered program at Middletown. Performed in pencil, the cartoons provide a valuable and unusual insight towards life at the hospital at the time. They include reactions to major changes, such as women being permitted in men's wards. Also included are clinical notes pertaining to the patient.

Alternate Formats Available

Use photocopies are available for research in first folder of box. The patient's name has been redacted from these use copies.

Access Restrictions

Use photocopies are disclosable, as the patient's name has been redacted. However, clinical notes and the original cartoons found in the series are restricted in accordance with Section 33.13, Mental Hygiene Law, relating to confidentiality of clinical records. Access permitted under certain conditions upon application to and approval by the Office of Mental Health.