Introduction

Care & Custody: Past Responses to Mental Health and its companion website explore the treatment of people with mental health conditions throughout history, especially in the United States, bringing to light the tension that has existed between care and custody. Physicians, advocates, families, and government agencies have all contributed to the shaping of mental health policies. Care and Custody examines this history to understand how the country has moved away from custodial forms of treatment, toward more inclusive approaches, and worked to protect the rights of people with mental health conditions. 

Learn more about Galter's companion exhibit Three Steps Forward, Two Steps Back: The Continued Struggle to Treat Mental Illness in America.

Events

Galter Library will host multiple events in conjunction with this exhibit and Galter's companion exhibit.

Curator Tour of Galter's companion exhibit: Tuesday, February 24, 12pm - 1pm. Register here.

Special Collections Open House: Tuesday, March 3, 11am - 4pm.

Exhibit of memoirs written by people hospitalized for mental illness in Dollie’s Corner, available to check out. Curated by Lindsey O’Brien.

Art activities in our craft corner. Stay tuned for exact dates!

Credits

The traveling exhibition was developed and produced by the National Library of Medicine and guest curated by Anne E. Parsons, PhD, (University of North Carolina at Greensboro) and and exhibition designer, HealyKohler Design.

The National Library of Medicine produced this exhibition and companion website.