This new film offers an extremely rare look inside one of America's oldest asylums, located in Utica. Opening in 1843 as the first asylum for the care of the mentally ill in the state of New York, the building known as "Old Main" operated until 1978, when it closed for good, remaining largely dormant and off-limits to most, until now. Producer and director Bill Stephens received permission from the New York State Office of Mental Health to shoot inside unrenovated sections of the building, which are generally off-limits to the public.
Before the screening, Dr. Amiriah Brigham, portrayed by Mark Hanna, will be on hand to discuss his invention, the Utica Crib. Local author Dennis Webster, who appears in the film, will also be on hand for a book signing of Old Main: New York State Lunatic Asylum.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Oneida County History Center, 1608 Genesee St, Utica, NY 13502, United States
