| 1954-2005 |
| paper, photographs, video, objects |
| Some items are restricted from circulating or publishing; see inventory for restrictions. |
| 00/26/09/23 [Series 5]; OR for series 3 and 4 [???]; 00/10/02/33 [Series 2]; BC/20/12/S3 [Series 1] |
| Administrative records (partial series), organizational histories, pamphlets, commemorative programs and other material relating to the work of the Crownsville State Hospital Auxiliary. A scrapbook (c. 1964- 1970), some photographs, a fiftieth anniversary video, various certificates, and several award objects are also included as part of this collection. NOTE: the objects are located at an offsite facility. Digital images, however, may be reviewed of the items. |
| The Auxiliary was formed in 1954 during a broad reform period of the state hospital system. It was during this time that the assistance of volunteers was first welcomed into the Maryland State hospitals to provide comfort and entertainment to the patients. The Auxiliary initially ran a patient canteen but soon expanded into the realm of providing direct support to hospital staff in the efforts of patient therapy. The work continued for fifty years until the state made the decision to close the hospital in 2004. The group formally disbanded on August 26, 2005. The contents of this collection were donated to the Maryland State Archives at that time. |
