ThoughtGallery.org > ‘Institutions on the Hill: Upper Manhattan’s Forgotten Asylums’ Webinar

‘Institutions on the Hill: Upper Manhattan’s Forgotten Asylums’ Webinar

If you traveled to the Upper Manhattan neighborhood of Inwood one century ago, you’d stumble upon a collection of fortress-like structures lining the ridge overlooking the Hudson River. While scary-looking from the outside, what happened on the inside was even more terrifying. This is the story of the asylums and institutions where New York society’s criminals, outcasts, and ill were held under lock and key, with little chance of ever getting out.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the dark history of the asylums and institutions in the northernmost reaches of Manhattan, where criminals, inebriates, and tuberculosis victims alike were once banished to live out the rest of their lives.

Led by uptown historian and best–selling author Cole Thompson, our virtual showcase of Inwood’s legacy of suffering up until the early 20th century will include:

  • An overview of institutions and asylums in New York City, and why the Manhattan neighborhood of Inwood was chosen as the site for many of them
  • The House of Mercy, where young girls, opioid addicts, and women of ill-repute subsisted on strict diets of bread, molasses, and water
  • The House of Rest for Consumptives, a fabled asylum which represented the end of the line for Tuberculosis victims
  • The Magdalen Asylum, a frightening home for wayward young women changed its name to Inwood House after several girls fell victim to mercury poisoning while under the doctor’s care.
  • Untold stories about the inmates, including Society darling Bettina Griard, who once made a French attaché drink champagne out of her slipper
  • Why all these buildings met the wrecking ball in the 1930s, and what exists of the site today

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Cole — any and all questions about the institutions of Northern Manhattan are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Cole

An award winning former television producer and best-selling author, Cole has hosted the popular uptown history blog MyInwood.net for nearly fifteen years. Cole has been profiled in the New Yorker in connection with his knowledge of Uptown history. In 2019 Cole co-authored a history of his neighborhood titled, Lost Inwood, with colleague Don Rice.











When: Tue., Mar. 2, 2021 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Where: No Location
Via livestream

Price: $10
Buy tickets/get more info now
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If you traveled to the Upper Manhattan neighborhood of Inwood one century ago, you’d stumble upon a collection of fortress-like structures lining the ridge overlooking the Hudson River. While scary-looking from the outside, what happened on the inside was even more terrifying. This is the story of the asylums and institutions where New York society’s criminals, outcasts, and ill were held under lock and key, with little chance of ever getting out.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the dark history of the asylums and institutions in the northernmost reaches of Manhattan, where criminals, inebriates, and tuberculosis victims alike were once banished to live out the rest of their lives.

Led by uptown historian and best–selling author Cole Thompson, our virtual showcase of Inwood’s legacy of suffering up until the early 20th century will include:

  • An overview of institutions and asylums in New York City, and why the Manhattan neighborhood of Inwood was chosen as the site for many of them
  • The House of Mercy, where young girls, opioid addicts, and women of ill-repute subsisted on strict diets of bread, molasses, and water
  • The House of Rest for Consumptives, a fabled asylum which represented the end of the line for Tuberculosis victims
  • The Magdalen Asylum, a frightening home for wayward young women changed its name to Inwood House after several girls fell victim to mercury poisoning while under the doctor’s care.
  • Untold stories about the inmates, including Society darling Bettina Griard, who once made a French attaché drink champagne out of her slipper
  • Why all these buildings met the wrecking ball in the 1930s, and what exists of the site today

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Cole — any and all questions about the institutions of Northern Manhattan are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Cole

An award winning former television producer and best-selling author, Cole has hosted the popular uptown history blog MyInwood.net for nearly fifteen years. Cole has been profiled in the New Yorker in connection with his knowledge of Uptown history. In 2019 Cole co-authored a history of his neighborhood titled, Lost Inwood, with colleague Don Rice.

Buy tickets/get more info now