Boston Psychopathic Hospital facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Massachusetts Mental Health Center |
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| Geography | |
| Location | 74 Fenwood Road (1912–2010), 75 Fenwood Road (since 2010), Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States |
| Coordinates | 42°20′8″N 71°6′31″W / 42.33556°N 71.10861°W |
| Organization | |
| Hospital type | Specialist |
| Services | |
| Speciality | Psychiatric hospital |
| Demolished | 2011 (74 Fenwood Road) |
The Boston Psychopathic Hospital was a very important place for mental health in Massachusetts, United States. It opened in 1912 at 74 Fenwood Road. This hospital was one of the first of its kind in the state.
In 1994, the original building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it was recognized as a special historical site. Later, in the late 1960s, its name changed to the Massachusetts Mental Health Center. The old building at 74 Fenwood Road closed in 2010 and was taken down in 2011. Today, the Massachusetts Mental Health Center still helps people. It operates from a newer building at 75 Fenwood Road.
Contents
History of the Hospital
How the Hospital Started
In November 1909, the land for the hospital was bought. It was on Fenwood Road, very close to Harvard Medical School. This made it easy for doctors and students to get there.
Early in 1910, Elmer Ernest Southard became the director. He was in charge of making sure the hospital was built correctly. The hospital officially opened on June 24, 1912. It was first part of the Boston State Hospital.
Changes Over Time
Over the years, the hospital's role changed. On May 1, 1919, the Massachusetts State Psychiatric Institute became separate. This meant the hospital could focus only on helping patients. It no longer had to do scientific research.
Then, on December 1, 1920, the hospital became its own place. It was named the Boston Psychopathic Hospital. C. Macfie Campbell became its new director. In the late 1960s, the hospital got its current name. It became the Massachusetts Mental Health Center.
Building and Design
Original Hospital Buildings
The Boston Psychopathic Hospital opened in 1912. Its main building and power plant were built that same year. Over time, more parts were added to the hospital. A special wing for therapy was built in 1954. A research building was added in 1957. An iron fence surrounded the entire property.
A Historic Landmark
The hospital was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. This showed its importance as one of the oldest psychiatric hospitals in the country.
In 2009, Partners HealthCare bought the historic campus. This was the old hospital site at 74 Fenwood Road. The buildings were taken down the next year, in 2010. However, the Massachusetts Mental Health Center still helps people today. It uses modern buildings at 75 Fenwood Road.
