central state hospital museum

You want something to think about from history ... spend an hour or so wondering through this throw back in time. Read the plaques ... pull up some history on your iPhone ... and wonder just what it was like to be here "back in the day". One of the most sobering places i have ever been.

To get the true ambiance of the visit, one must begin the visit at dusk I did not but I still got an eerie feeling which would have tripled if darker. Keep in mind there is also a vacated prison with razor wire still in place. Additionally, while many of the buildings are vacated and dilapidated they still put on a certain aura even in the daylight. However, you must be cautious as warning signs abound and warn the observer that trespassers are not allowed. Not only are the buildings dangerous but the grounds around them are as well which can be difficult to ascertain during the night. I’m not saying the place is haunted however, as you approach the basement of some of the buildings you can traverse to on the exterior of the building, you undoubtedly will feel a tremendous drop in temperature. Furthermore, even I can’t explain to myself the noises and eerie sights I thought I may have seen in some of the window of the facilities. The steam plant still provides steam noise throughout the complex.Keep in mind that while traveling around the prison, some sides have signs that warn “no trespassing” but I can attest as of 10-26-2014 at least one side does not and I happened drive by that side. Much junk has been placed into the roadway and it resulted in me getting a flat. Also, keep in mind, the razor wire is still sharp as a “razor”. Drove for an hour and a half to visit the site as Halloween is close and must say it was worth it. Also visited the cemetery which was interesting as well. Directly across from the vacated prison.

Shame this area isn't taken better care of, museum is excellent and should be taken care of. So much history of the area and the early times.

The place was interesting but the young college grad they hired and gave the tilte of Museum Director was inexperienced and didn't even have the smarts to sweep up the old dried up dead Palmetto bugs on the floor. I guess she thought she was above such a thing. They should have hired someone from the area that was familiar with the folklore in the area and really knew something about the hospital and its history. The "Director" really knew nothing of interest. They also only let you in one building and there were at least a dozen or more on the propery I would like to have looked in more than one.

The history was interesting and informational. Made me want to learn more about mental health.