Preserving History
James Decker Munson, MD, seated far right, with leadership of the Northern Michigan
Asylum. (Photo courtesy Traverse Area Historical Society)
A History Lost and Now Found
Did you ever wonder what happened to all the objects or materials inside the buildings at Traverse City’s Northern Michigan Asylum when the last section closed in 1989? We know there was an auction where many objects were sold, and the state archives in Lansing hold many remnants from the hospital. But consider: for 104 years the hospital was filled with hundreds of individuals—patients, administrators, nurses, maintenance and grounds workers. As the main buildings and residences were shuttered, many people who were not affiliated with the hospital wandered through the campus. Outside of the authorized auction many objects were removed as keepsakes, for preservation, curiosity, or sale.
The Friends of the Historic Commons (501c3 nonprofit) works to preserve the history and cultural significance of the hospital and its extensive grounds.
Help us Preserve the History
This winter we teamed up with our friends at the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park and started something really special. We’ve been gathering oral histories from members of our community - people who played a part in saving the hospital and its grounds from fading into history. From staff and patients to neighbors and others impacted by the historic hospital, there are so many powerful stories and perspectives to share.
This winter was just the beginning, and we’re excited to keep capturing and preserving as many of these voices as we can over time and we need your help.
Did you, a family member, friend or neighbor work, live or spend time on the campus between 1885 and 1989? Do you have memories, stories, photographs or objects that help tell its story? Whether it’s something you experienced firsthand or stories passed down through your family and friends, we’d love to hear from you. These personal connections are an important part of preserving the history of this place. Every piece will expand what we know about the people who worked or lived or visited there.
Get in Contact!
Share Your History
Do you have a story, memory or an object from the State Hospital to share? Please complete this form and someone from Friends will contact you to schedule a time to share your story. If you have an object, we’d ask your permission to photograph and catalog with the option to loan the item to Friends of Historic Commons for future events/exhibits on the Village grounds.
