Located in the historic Kirkbride building built in 1883, the Oregon State Hospital (OHS) is the oldest working psychiatric facility on the west coast. The OSH Museum of Mental Health is a non-profit, volunteer-run business that provides a fascinating look into the past practices and history of mental health in Oregon. The history of mental health treatment involves many different therapies. Some of these therapies are displayed in the Museum.
According to the display:
“Working with clay is one of the many methods used in art therapy. … While patients focus on the physical form, they are also able to work through inner emotional issues and trauma providing an outlet for healing.”
According to the display:
“This pedal-powered jigsaw allowed patients to construct wooden puzzles and other crafts. These items were often sold to members of the Salem community at holiday bazaars.”
Many of the therapies were occupational, intending to provide the patients with employable skills which could be used to outside of the hospital. In 1919, a report on occupational therapy reported:
“No system of reeducation of demented patients however scientific will compare in results with helpful productive labor.”
According to the display:
“Sports and outdoor activities made up a large part of the recreation therapy program at OSH. Tennis courts were built in the early 1900s and later buildings on campus included a swimming pool and a bowling alley.”
More museum exhibit photo tours
Museums 101: Japanese internment camp art (photo diary)
Willamette Heritage Center: Waterpower runs a woolen mill (photo diary)
Lake Chelan Historical Society: Homestead Cabin (photo diary)
Museums 101: Forest fire lookouts (photo diary)
Museums 101: Toys in a New America (photo diary)
Museums 101: A collection of medicine bottles (photo diary)
Museums 101: Kitchen stuff in the Stevensville Historical Museum (photo diary)
Museum of Mental Health: Overview (photo diary)