11/18/2024
Hi Everyone! I wanted to finally introduce myself as the individual behind Harrisburg State Hospital Stories! My name is Jenn and I have absolutely no affiliation to the hospital, to the state, or any historical association. I am just a history enthusiast who has long been fascinated by our little slice of history on the hill and want to try to preserve as many memories as possible. I graduated from Penn State with a Bachelorās Degree in American Studies many years ago. After a late night browsing online in 2022, I discovered the journal of John Curwen, the first superintendent of the Harrisburg State Hospital. I sat down and attempted to read it, and realized I needed to do more than just read, I needed to process it. So I started copying his 1850ās ink pen cursive into an excel document. Word for word. Line by line. As I typed more, I began googling and searching and trying to piece names and places and articles together. As I continued to spiral, it led me to take a giant leap and reach out to all of you!!
When I created this page, transparently, I had no idea what I wanted to do or if I even had a purpose. It quickly became a community of sorts. Individuals finding their peers after many years, children finding their parents coworkers, even family members finding closure from previously employees that remembered their loved ones. For others, simply a place to read and view stories or pictures because you are also history enthusiasts!
As you all continued to talk about your time spent on the hill and the memories you had, the pictures you shared, and the bonds you formed that still continue today, I realized the hospital was and still is more than just a closed state hospital. It was a sanctuary to some, work to others, but to many of us it is the hidden gem of Harrisburg. A little space carved out of the city that holds 155 years of memories, hardships, laughs, pain, and love.
The stories you shared gave me the idea that I needed to do more and I decided I wanted to write a book. A book about you! I want your stories and pictures. I want the good and the bad. I want to know and help others understand what it was like day to day no matter what side of the desk you stood. No matter what year it was or what building you were in!
I would love to start meeting with you all. One by one. Groups for coffee. Phone calls or simple messages. Please let me know if you have something to share. Stories or artifacts. Send me a private message and we can arrange something that works best! I canāt wait to take the next step with all of you and see where we can get, together!
