Helen mortensen lobotomy history

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By 1951, 15 patients had been re-admitted to the   institution after having a  lobotomy done on the outside. 

Dr. E-mail: [email protected]

Does the IMHM have any volunteer opportunities?

Absolutely! Click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities or contact the Museum Operations Manager at [email protected].


Can I explore/ photograph/ do a paranormal investigation on the former Central State Hospital grounds?

The few Central State Hospital buildings and tunnels that remain on the property are marked strictly "no trespassing." Aside from the site of the Old Pathology Building, The Indiana Medical History Museum does not have any jurisdiction over the former Central State Hospital grounds--all requests must be submitted to the property owners. 

Does the IMHM accept book and artifact donations?

The IMHM has a carefully crafted collections policy that is consulted before any items are accepted.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can I find more information about Central State Hospital, its employees, and patients?

The Indiana State Archives is the best place to start any research regarding CSH and its history. Phone: (317) 591-5222. We can offer a special PowerPoint presentation for groups unable to use the stairs - please request this in advance.

  • The one-hour tour may be unsuitable for young children, due to its length, the sophistication of the subject matter, and our hands-off approach to our collections.
  • Young children and visitors sensitive to topics such as mental illness, death, and autopsy may find the museum disturbing.

    Human skeletons and preserved organs are on display at the museum.

    • No large bags, strollers, or camera accessories like tripods are allowed on the tour.
    • Click here for directions.



    Courtesy of Tom Mueller Photography, LLC 

    Nevertheless, Dr.

    Bahr recognized that in some cases, when other therapies had failed (psychotherapy, insulin, and electro-convulsive therapy), the lobotomy procedure could produce “results that are beneficial from the standpoint of behavior.” 

    In such cases, he allowed patients to be released to relatives, who made arrangements with a neurosurgeon for the procedure to be done.

    During Williams’s tenure, treatment consisted of electro-convulsive therapy, occupational  therapy, psychotherapy, recreational therapy, as well as the new, neuroleptic drug therapies that would revolutionize mental health care.

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR GROUPS

    • Group tour organizers should note that the museum does not have lunchroom facilities and only has limited restroom facilities.
    • The tour covers two floors and there is no elevator.

      The Archives are located at 6440 E. 30th St., Indianapolis, Indiana, 46219. Visitors unable to use the stairs can tour the first floor and then explore the second floor via video tours- please request this at the front desk. Please do not bring offered donations to the Museum without making an appointment.

      Can my organization hold a meeting at the IMHM?

      The IMHM’s Programs Committee reviews all requests to hold private functions at the museum.

      Generally, the museum only grants permission to hold private functions to those organizations that are connected to the medical/scientific or history community. Williams was also reluctant to recommend lobotomies because such patients rarely were able to leave the hospital, and there are no records of lobotomies in Williams’s Annual Reports.

      Please contact the Executive Director at [email protected] prior to bringing any books or artifacts. Human skeletons and preserved organs are on display at the museum.

    • Driving directions and parking information can be found here.
    • Large bags, strollers, and camera accessories like tripod are not allowed.


    Courtesy of Tom Mueller Photography, LLC 

    A spoken English video tour is available upon request.

    • Video tours using American Sign Language are also available upon request.
    • The one-hour tour may be unsuitable for young children, due to its length, the sophistication of the subject matter, and our hands-off approach to our collections.
    • Young children and visitors sensitive to topics such as mental illness, death, and autopsy may find the museum disturbing.

      Additionally, there are fees for using the museum for these functions.

      helen mortensen lobotomy history

      Clifford Williams succeeded Dr. Bahr as Superintendent in 1952. Contact the Executive Director for more information.

    Before your visit, there are a few things you need to know.

    • The tour covers two floors and there is no elevator.