Ep. 92: History of the Fernald State School, Part 1 (1845-1852) Artwork

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Behind the Walls of the World’s Psychiatric Hospitals

Ep. 92: History of the Fernald State School, Part 1 (1845-1852)

July 13, 2025 • Episode 92

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This week we look at the early beginnings of what would become the Fernald State School in Massachusetts. At its outset, it was known as the Experimental School for Teaching and Training Idiotic Children. Find out how developmental disorders were classified back in the mid-19th century and what the school hoped to teach their students.

Trigger warning for outdated and ableist language, strong overtones of discrimination and dehumanization, and abuse toward children.

My main sources for this episode include the annual reports from the Fernald State School archives and the Wikipedia page on the Walter E. Fernald Developmental Center.

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