Summary

Dr. Wakefield (Northeast College) and Dr. Niedich (University of Missouri) joined the show to discuss their research on death in early New York mental health institutions and how it differed from the populations around them. Along the way, we talk about the history of mental health institutions in the United States and how differences in the amount and causes of death can illuminate what we care about as a society.

Dr. Walker also worked on this project, but unfortunately was unable to join. Her collaborators wanted to make sure that her contributions were noted

Recommendations

• Dr. Wakefield’s faculty profile
• Dr. Niedich’s faculty profile
• Dr. Walker’s faculty profile
• Stuhler, L.S. (2011). The Inmates of Willard 1870 to 1900: A Genealogy Resource. Createspace Independent Publishing.
• Penney, D. (2009). The Lives They Left Behind: Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic. Bellevue Literary Press.
• Willard Suitcases photo gallery
• Moreno-Garcia, S. (2020). Mexican Gothic. Del Rey Books.
• Wynn-Williams, S. (2025). Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism. Flatiron Books.
• Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club series
• Brindlewood Bay role-playing game