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Explore the intriguing history of the Athens Lunatic Asylum in this captivating video. From its opening in 1874 to the groundbreaking moral treatment era pioneered by Thomas Story Kirkbride, discover how this asylum aimed to provide a more humane environment for those with mental illness. The video delves into the challenges faced during the mid-1900s, including the controversial practices of Dr. Walter Freeman and the subsequent shift towards community-based treatment. Explore a brief overview of the evolution of mental health care and reflect on the current challenges facing the treatment of mental illness in Ohio.

This video is a video adaption of the feature story in the January/February 2024 issue of Echoes Magazine

Katherine Ziff, author of "Asylum on the Hill: History of a Healing Landscape," spoke with Curator of Manuscripts Doug McCabe about her research for the book and about the history of treatment at the Athens Asylum.

Athens Historical Society and Museum presentation of Moral Treatment and the Athens Asylum by Katherine Ziff.

A talk about The Athens Mental Heath Center by The Southeast Ohio History Center.

A video by the OU Mahn Center on the Athens Mental Health Center.

A curated collection of exploration and history videos of The Athens Lunatic Asylum better known today as The Ridges.

An hour long film detailing the history of the Athens Mental Health Center.