Haunted History (2013)
S01E04 Lost Souls of Pennhurst
Episode Overview
Established in 1908, Pennhurst Asylum in Pennsylvania was initially intended to provide care for individuals with epilepsy, disabilities, and those deemed "feeble-minded." However, it soon became severely overcrowded, exacerbated by the controversial Eugenics movement. The influx of patients left the staff overwhelmed, leading to widespread abuse and appalling living conditions. After nearly eight decades, the facility was finally closed due to the courageous actions of a local journalist and a few courageous former residents. Yet, the spirits of both patients and cruel staff linger in the asylum, conveying haunting messages to visitors and serving as a poignant reminder of a grim chapter in American history.
