People, Not Patients
Description
Phase I
In 2022-2023, with funding from South Carolina Humanities, Historic Columbia partnered with Able South Carolina to explore the lives of those treated at the former South Carolina Lunatic Asylum (1828-1896). Research pulled from the asylum’s administrative records, gravesites, newspapers, and census data illuminate the unique life stories of different people who passed through the hospital’s gate on Bull Street.
- To read Phase I biographies, click here.
- For a short narrative about the South Carolina Lunatic Asylum and its two primary buildings (1828-1896), click here.
- To learn about resources and methodology, click here.
NEW!
Phase II
In 2025-2026, with funding from South Carolina Humanities, Historic Columbia partnered with Able South Carolina to continue its exploration of the lives of those individuals who were treated at the former South Carolina State Hospital, later known as the Bull Street campus of the Department of Mental Health. In addition to giving a platform for the voices of those no longer living, Able South Carolina staff interviewed former patients and staff members of the institution. The final product, a fully accessible digital booklet, is available through the website below.
In Partnership With
Project Deliverables
Long-form Essays (Digital)
Accessible Oral Histories
Project Images
Research Team
Reach Out to the Research Team
Historic Columbia supports all members of our community through project-based partnerships with tangible deliverables. Have an idea but not sure what comes next? Get in touch with a member of our team today!