Institute of the Pennsylvania Hospital (Kirkbride Center)

Address: 111 N 49th St, Philadelphia, PA 19139

Neighborhood: Mill Creek

Website: http://www.kirkbridecenter.com/

Contact: 215-471-2600

Description: Begun in 1854 and completed in 1859 from plans by Dr. Thomas Story Kirkbride, this hospital introduced innumerable innovations in the treatment of the mentally ill. Kirkbride believed that patients suffering from mental illness should be treated with the same consideration as those suffering from other illnesses. Fresh air, proper ventilation, light, and adequate supervision were among the needs he specifically addressed. Kirkbride also authored a book on the subject of hospitals for the mentally ill. It—and the Institute—influenced the design of hospitals that followed the “Kirkbride Plan” in more than 31 other states.

Resources for Researchers

• History
  • http://www.kirkbridecenter.com/Facility/
• Timeline
  • https://www.uphs.upenn.edu/paharc/collections/finding/iphgeneral.html
• Doctor Kirkbride Bio
  • https://hiddencityphila.org/2013/09/calling-doctor-kirkbride/

Information for Visitors

• Visiting information for patients
  • http://www.kirkbridecenter.com/Visiting_Hours/

Subthemes

• Scientific explorations – science, medicine, health
• Changemakers – social reform, racial justice, political movements

Link to NHL Nomination Form

• Nomination Number: 66000684
• https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GJ9c61F4O0jd4NgscDKeN6bpjb8WT_jU