Superintendent's Correspondence Files, 1825-1942.

Scope and content:

Restricted: Correspondence containing patient names and information that is less than 125 years old. These records may require review by an archivist and/or redaction (if it is possible) before they are served. Contains correspondence files from the superintendent's office. The correspondence has been divided into three subgroups: correspondence, subject correspondence, and surveys. The largest of these groups is the general correspondence files which contain incoming letters addressed to the hospital superintendent. The letters and surveys give insight into the daily work of the hospital superintendent and document the earliest years of Western State Hospital, and Virginia's mental health treatment system in general. Researchers should be be aware that some of the correspondence may contain mold due to past exposure to water. Although now stabilized, some spores may still be present. As a result of the water damage, many of the documents are fragile and discolored, and must be handled with care. Researchers should also note that additional superintendent's correspondence (1835-1918) can be found in Series VI. Records Found at Eastern State Hospital (Accession 44812).

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