The Pennhurst Files

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The Pennhurst Files Uncovering the history of Pennhurst State School and Hospital with a focus on disability advocacy

New building names went into effect in 1979. Pennhurst State School and Hospital was later known as Pennhurst Center unt...
05/15/2026

New building names went into effect in 1979. Pennhurst State School and Hospital was later known as Pennhurst Center until closing in 1987.

A college student at West Chester University, Geraldine Grano described the conditions she witnessed while visiting Penn...
05/01/2026

A college student at West Chester University, Geraldine Grano described the conditions she witnessed while visiting Pennhurst State School and Hospital in 1968.

Pennhurst State School and Hospital 1957 yearbook photos
04/21/2026

Pennhurst State School and Hospital 1957 yearbook photos

The 1967 Pennhurst Progress and Careers booklet sheds light on the salaries of physicians, nurses, and other staff, show...
04/18/2026

The 1967 Pennhurst Progress and Careers booklet sheds light on the salaries of physicians, nurses, and other staff, showing that attendants and nurses were severely underpaid for their demanding work at Pennhurst State School and Hospital.

This Pennhurst blueprint from the 1930s depicts Buchanan, one of five buildings in the female colony on the upper campus...
03/30/2026

This Pennhurst blueprint from the 1930s depicts Buchanan, one of five buildings in the female colony on the upper campus. It was created for the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare to illustrate the layout of the Women’s Ward. Despite its cramped appearance, this blueprint is nowhere near the overcrowding of the 1960s and 1970s, when individuals had to climb over one bed to reach the next, even more so than the image of Capital Hall. People endured years of this confinement, sometimes never leaving their beds.

Pennhurst State School and Hospital Christmas play circa 1925.
03/28/2026

Pennhurst State School and Hospital Christmas play circa 1925.

The Pennhurst Programmer dated July 1, 1977.
03/18/2026

The Pennhurst Programmer dated July 1, 1977.

In August 1972, The Pottstown Mercury's article “The Shame of Pennsylvania” by Thomas Geyer revealed Pennhurst's shockin...
03/12/2026

In August 1972, The Pottstown Mercury's article “The Shame of Pennsylvania” by Thomas Geyer revealed Pennhurst's shocking neglect and abuse, playing a pivotal role in its closure and reforming disability rights nationwide.

Pennhurst State School and Hospital

03/06/2026

Various educational tools were left behind after the closure of Pennhurst in 1987. Here you can see educational posters, a piano, televisions and a reel to reel machine.

This is Anna. Anna was admitted to Pennhurst in July of 1916 at 10 years old due to Epilepsy. In May of 1930 she was dia...
03/06/2026

This is Anna. Anna was admitted to Pennhurst in July of 1916 at 10 years old due to Epilepsy. In May of 1930 she was diagnosed with Tuberculosis. Today I am thinking of you Anna!

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