4/25/2006 - ZAI Archivist speaks at the Victorian Society in America, Washington Metropolitan Chapter

MIKE Maggioncalda, ZAI Archivist, presents an illustrated talk on the history of St. Elizabeths Hospital and documenting its historical materials.

IN 1855, St. Elizabeths was established as the Government Hospital for the Insane through the efforts of pioneering mental health reformer, Dorothea Dix. Her progressive thinking is reflected in the designs of its buildings and grounds. Although many of the 19th Century buildings on the west side are government owned; they are abandoned. Current efforts are being studied on how to reuse or redevelop the 182-acre west campus. Under a GSA contract, Mike Maggioncalda cataloged the architectural drawings, photographs, and objects that will help planners and historians understand the St. Elizabeths history and assist them with future plans. His presentation focuses on the history and the work he did in collecting and digitizing the historical materials.