The hospital first opened its doors in 1904 in Norwich, Connecticut. It was built in an idyllic location chosen for its therapeutic properties overlooking the River Thames.
The Norwich Insane Asylum was built isolated from civilization, which worked to its benefit as it began to grow during its early years sprouting new buildings that accompanied the original construction (see aerial view of the hospital here). These new construction projects included patient wards, staff cottages, laboratories and workshops. All of the structures were interconnected by a large network of underground utility tunnels. These tunnels transported electricity, hot water, and patients to various areas on the grounds. The hospital remained self-sufficient, almost like a small town, with its own power plant, pump house, working farm, kitchen, theater and church.
Over 3,000 patients and 1,000 employees were residents on the asylum grounds in the 1950’s.
Slowly patients began to leave Norwich State Hospital due to deinstitutionalization and it permanently closed its doors in 1996. Since then time has basically stood still on the property with a few exceptions. Currently there is talk about converting the grounds into a theme park, but nothing has been set in stone.
After a long tedious drive we leave the car in a commuter parking lot close to the buildings. Ever the vigilant group of explorers we notice a State Trooper making his rounds and dive into the forest for cover. Luckily we outsmarted the police yet again and after regrouping walk along the Thames River for a few hundred feet. We finally see the abandoned pump house looming in the distance and decide to make this our entryway into the campus.
This site has a reputation for being well guarded, well patrolled, and does not take kindly to trespassers. I am always on edge when exploring across the Atlantic and the numerous “State Property – No Trespassing” signs that litter the grounds did not bode well for my paranoia. Instead of exposing ourselves above ground to security and prying eyes, we decided to take the underground route through the utility tunnels.
Using the tunnels we explored many buildings without ever being forced to go outside. This method of travel was soon confirmed to be the safest. On our first attempt to venture outside we were only a few feet away from a security officer in a black uniform. Fortunately he didn’t look our way and we quickly receded back into the tunnel network. For a while we hid in the abandoned theater so we could look around the campus without being seen.
This encounter with security dampened our spirits and made our visit a whole lot shorter than we would have liked. We made our grande exit through the empty chapel, this allowed us to avoid walking back through the forest. As we were walking back to the commuter lot to pickup our car we noticed the State Trooper had been watching us as we suspiciously walked down the road. I wonder where we went to and were coming back from?!
Archive document introducing a new therapy (click to enlarge):
Special thanks to Dr. Bob for sharing the old postcards.
i got youre call, u never emailed me back and i lost youre email. u know where i am so email me sparkles
so is anybody going to come get me on the night before xmas in lodge i will be waiting for you with bell's on lol bell's that was a xmas joke lolololo an hey to the gaurds will i see you in lodge that night don't let me down.an if steve o or mike101 that goes for you to.
If you are in a store, which is private property, and you get caught shoplifting, its theft. If the security person takes you by the arm, and you pull away, it becomes robbery. Goes from a misdomener to a felony.
I dont know what authority the security force at NSH has, but be careful if you are caught. Any physical altercations between security and a trespasser could be construed as assault, and dealt with accordingly (capstun is a nasty surprise). I'm sure when the police arrive, and find security standing there with a trespasser writhing on the ground with a burning face full of pepper mace, they will accept the officers version of the incident. "I took hold of the suspect to detain him untill the troopers arrived, he became combative and I used my pepper spray on him " Tresspassing is a minor fine, I dont think its even over $200 now, but assault on a security officer is a serious offence. And it'll be your word against theirs, so even if they are total jerks and rough you up, you'll still lose.
Went in there legally this evening! Ribicoff Center, and The Kettle Building...Fire Department training. Broke alot of doors ; ) Theres alot of interesting stuff still in there...Bathrooms still intact with soap and tp...lol. Alot of signage and plaques intact, plenty of peeling paint, X-ray machines, Cafeteria equiptment, light and electrical fixtures, carpeting. Not as much Vandalism and broken glass as expected. Very Interesting indeed!
Preston’s plan for Norwich Hospital site to get closer look Zoning board to weigh in on 6-area proposal -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By DEBORAH STRASZHEIM Norwich Bulletin Posted Nov 30, 2009 @ 11:54 PM
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Preston, Conn. — The Preston Planning and Zoning Commission meets tonight to hash out the proposed conceptual plan for the Preston side of the former Norwich Hospital property.
The plan divides the 390-acre site Preston purchased into six areas, then designates certain types of potential development, such as commercial and recreation on the main campus, light industrial building on the land south of the 2A bridge and a marina along the river.
The development ideas are concepts that could change with any specific plans. The conceptual plan also considers the potential for housing on the site, although the land is not zoned for housing.
“The type of residential that I think the town would accept, based on our public forums, is a very limited, assisted living for older or elderly people,” said Kent Borner, chairman of the Preston Redevelopment Agency overseeing the plans. “Also, limited residential in the sense of apartments above retail. The village concept. We didn’t contemplate any housing developments.”
The Planning and Zoning Commission does not have to approve the agency’s plan, but must issue a written opinion about whether it complies with zoning regulations and the town’s plan for conservation and development. After the opinion is issued, Preston would hold public hearings on the plan and schedule a town meeting to approve it.
It does not require a referendum.
David Anderson, a Preston resident and former state representative, said the Redevelopment Agency has worked hard, but the market isn’t cooperating.
“I wish them well, but the problem is with the economy the way it is, we’re not looking at any fast action on people coming there,” he said. “And I’m curious as to what Norwich is going to do with their piece.”
He said if the two communities work together, they may have a better outcome.
In Norwich
The Norwich City Council has referred the question of whether to buy 61 acres of the hospital property in Norwich to the Commission on the City Plan, which must make a ruling before the council can proceed. The Commission on the City Plan meets Dec. 8.
“If we do go forward, I certainly support working with Preston because the state has numerous financial incentives for projects involving regionalization,” said incoming Norwich Mayor Peter Nystrom.
Reporter Michael Gannon contributed to this story.
Hi, I actually live in the apartment building on the Thames River, right next to Norwich state. In response, no there are no demolition machines on site now. All there is are the security guards who guard the property 24/7. The state of CT has not yet decided what they're going to do with it. There was talk of "Utopia", but I think that was called off. For now it's just sitting there, taking up space and being useless.
hi i am looking for any info that i can possibly get about this place. im wanting anything info and pics or videos you can possibly come up with. i am mounting a huge project and i need whatever you got. if anybody has access to this place please let me know. or who to get into contact with, i am military so i need to do this the legal way. but i am a 2 man team and we are going to do a huge project, so whatever we can get will decide where this project goes. so please give me all you have. my personal email is darylwenzel@live.com
JPT- Could you imagine going to court for that? You would get laughed out of the court house. either that or the judge would have you committed. haha. I'm sure it would be the first time they heard that one though. lol. But give me a call if you want there are some places that we shouldn't run into problems investigating.
Bomb- Sure. Call me or talk to shadow.
I'd love to go on a couple hunts, but only to legal places. I dont believe in the paranormal, but if I actually experienced an event first hand, I'd have to evaluate it with the Amazing Randy school attitude- "I am not saying its NOT a paranormal event, but heres a normal way of reproducing it." I done believe, but am keeping an open mind.
I'll be damned tho if I'm gonna get bagged for trespassing, have some gear confiscated, and then have to stand up in front of a judge and say I was hunting ghosts!
Anyone who is interested just give me a call or text me. (860) 550-5974. But only if you are serious about it. And I would like to have at least one person who is somewhat skeptical about the paranormal. I think it would be beneficial to the team to look at things from different perspectives. I also need someone to look up history on places and get information on them before we investigate. If you're interested then let me know and we can discuss things further.
And Bleys, I hear you about being cautious. If you want to get to know me better first you could call me restricted if you'd like. That way I still won't know who you are or anything. Idk just a thought. You seem like a straight, no bs kind of person that would be fun to investigate with. Hope to hear from some of you soon!
Yeah, you're sure right about Rowland and government in general.
I'm not really convince about the paranormal but, I might be interested in joining. Who knows I might learn something. I'm curious as to how you would set up meetings though as I'm pretty cautious, for very good reason, about letting people know who I am. That's why I usually go in alone.
Rowland was a corrupted douche. He never did anything right. The only thing he was good for was screwing everything up. I would like to know why one of the first steps to "saving money" and whatnot is always to close institutions and other beneficial facilities. People seem to think think that mental health isn't important and therefore tend to screw a lot of people in need of help.
But anyways, I am starting a paranormal investigation team. Is there anyone who would be interested in becoming a member?
Nothing really went on here that was different from other institutions. In some cases horrendous acts, considerd by today's medicine, took place but, it was done under the idea that it would help the individual. The doctors, nurses and other staff didn't torture or maim patients for the pleasure of the acts. Who knows in another twenty years or so the way medicine is being applied now may be the so called torture of the future. The hospital was closed in 1996 not because of acts committed there or because someone escaped, supposedly, the hospital Charles Gravis escaped from closed in 1990. It was closed because the then Govenor Rowland was attempting to close all state run institutions and get rid of the employees and to cut his budget. Many of the criminally insane were relocated to Whiting Forensics. Other less dangerous were either just allowed to leave, placed in Houses which were either (public or privatized) or sent to hospitals for treatment. My wife was a patient there and received excellent care by the physicians and staff. She was suffering from severe depression. She was one of the people released and we had no health insurance at the time. Mr Rowland should have done a lot more time in jail for the disservice he did the residents of this state rather than the brief vacation he had for getting a hot tub.
What really went on there?
Which house across the street? I haven't heard about a hidden room before and if there is additional or tighter security somewhere I haven't seen them either. Do you know the name of the building?
Does such a room exist? If so, what was its purpose? Anybody (reputable) been there?
Does anyone know why the house across the street with the "hidden room" is so heavily guarded?
I come here because I live in the area, and am interested in the NSH property and others nearby. Too old to go sneaking around and climbing thru windows and such. and forget about running away! So I like to live vicariously thru the younger more daring folks here, and even if I could go UE, I'd never be able to get to the europeon sites and others posted here. Its enjoyable to see what is, and imagine what used to be. I remember NHS when it was in full operation, looking at the folks sitting if front of the main bulding, and wondering if they were crazy people. Probably were, as they were probably the staff!
hi my uncle was a patient here until it closed in 96 he is pychitzo i dont know how to spell it lol but i would love to explore this place not only for the paranormal happenings but i have seen many photos online and the buildings are beautiful inside in parts and i would love to witness for myself and take pics...if they are ever to let that happen please someone let me know asap... jessg83@hotmail.com
I just came back to check again and realized that I didn't post a thank you to Bleys like I thought I did. My apologies and gratitude to you. Again, if anyone has any advice (it doesn't have to be specific), I'm sure I'm not the only amateur who would appreciate it.
As a side note, it gets frustrating sifting through helpful VS argumentative posts. That being said, I work with children and I know that JPT is right. If you give attention to attention-seeking behavior, the behavior will continue. If you ignore it, it will stop. That's just some of my own advice to everyone.
Thanks! Have a great day!
I'm not positive of this but, I have heard that the town got some heat because of the damage they caused to the buildings, some historical, and tunnels, the release of asbestos. People on the tour may have made the complaint and that could be the reason why no other tours have been offerred. I went back this weekend and they have torn down the garages by the power plant and dumped the debris on top of the tunnel leading into the old carpentry building. They also tore down another garage that housed an old firetruck. It looks like they are going to tear everything down, given time, whether historical or not. This is such a shame.
Unfortunately, the State police WILL roust you if you walk by along the sidewalk/road- yes, its illegal to do so, but they WILL follow you to make sure you dont "loiter". Same with the cemetary. I have seen the Troopers talking to folks at least twice along the road, and once in the cemetary. I have heard of several accounts of people being questioned as they walked by.
I am not talking about a guided tour thru the buildings, but as you mentioned, a bus tour with several photo ops along the same paths the security vehicles use. These paths are very low risk safety wise, and would keep "honest people honest" for those who would like to take photos, and if the town could hire someone to give a breif history of the campus, they could esily charge $5 a head and make a few $$ in the process. I'm sure there are more legal issues that would need to be addressed, but I cant see it being so involved as to be prohibitive.
But, as you said, they do not seem interested , so I guess they U.E. here will have to keep on tresspassing and risking their health to get their photos. Sad, what good be so posaiive is being made a negative by a few people.
The town nor the state are going to grant requests for people who wish to tour the grounds of this historic asylum. Both have undoubtedly received hundreds, if not more requests from people who would like to legitimately and legally enjoy the exteriors of the buildings and grounds. The reason for this is quite self-explanatory. Not only because of this location's popularity among urban explorers and ghost hunters alike, but because the grounds and the exteriors of the buildings themselves are not safe for many reasons. Your suggestion of "bombarding them with requests" will probably only make them pucker up tighter than a snare drum and perhaps never offer the bus tours again as they did back in July. The state nor the town is unaware of the tremendous interest in being able to view this place before it's gone. That's why security roams the area 24/7. They do know how many people would love to be able to enjoy the place.
They can't stop you from parking in front of the cemetery and gazing at the buildings from there. They can't stop you from walking down the sidewalk in front. And if you're casual enough about it, they won't even notice you taking photographs of the buildings.
You're not going to hear from either the town or the state. I contacted them about a year ago and the answer was no.
As I noted a couple posts back, I have asked the town and the first selectman and they did not have the decency to respond to my inquiry. My suggestion is to have all interested parties bombard them with requests- perhaps one lone howl in the dark will be ignored, but the baying of a thousand wolves....
So I finally put on my big boy pants and took a stab at Norwich. Dressed like Shinobi armed with only 1/3 of the camera equipment I wanted to bring I made my way in off the tracks...after parking miles away!!! Not even 200 yards into my adventure I noticed people ahead of me and scampered off to the side to find refuge. I believe I went unnoticed, cause the girl and guy strolled right past me. I don't know if the pair were explorers, random passers by, but they caused me to chicken out and retreat to my car after letting the coast clear for 15 minutes or so. Was this anybody on here? Did you see me? It was the 3am hour, you'll know the day. As I stated in a previous post, I'm too old for this stuff...well not too old...but too scared and concerned about getting caught and the effect it would have on my wife and kid financially. Good luck to everyone else, I gave it a very half-hearted try and failed miserably!..solely because of my lack of courage and overwhelming cowardice!
So you guys really want to know why this place is closed down?... actual fact is that Charles Gravis... Look him up... escaped in 1990 and is presumed to still be lurking around the area... i personally have never had a run in with him but it says he is a very violent and deranged criminal who has gone insane... no one was ever to escape... plus that and the beatings and horrible horrible treatments they performed on the patients... i will not reveal how i know this but lets justsay i have sspent quite a few time exploring this place and know people who were in the right p[lace at the right time. any questions u could call if u like or text... 401 626 1050or send an email to mine...
to the security guards who read this... we as explorers do not go in this place to destroy it... if anything we just want the pleasure that you have everyday to look at the building and understand history. yes the vandals that come in and ruin things... arrest them, but all of the others we just want to look... hell, i would even pay you $100 for a tour one night... but since thats out of the question then I will continue to get by you and gasp in awe from the shadows as to what went on there.
Good luck to any nfellow explorers
The town of Preston is hoping to develop the property in phases so says the Day paper. They are also looking for a new name for it, "Preston Riverwalk" "Thames River Walk" "Thames River Overlook" or "Brewsters Bluff". Bottom line, they are begining the process of destroying this historic site, first be the name, and if they can get this "phased" program to fly, gradual physical destruction of the buildings themselves. So, I guess any intrepid explorers out there better get going, before NSH is naught but a fading memory.....
I have sent letters to both the Development Commitee and the Selectman in Preston, asking for some sort of photography tour be assembled, to allow people to get pictures of the outside of the buildings before they are gone, but I have recieved no reply. For whatever reason, a simple email response would have been courteous, even to say no, but they must be much too busy for that. I suggest any other people out there that would be interested in photographing this site prior to its destruction contact the town of Preston officials and make your interest known. Perhaps, if enough people show an interest, they will take notice.
also I think i now understand why people don't post specifics on entering the area or buildings, now that i have finaly entered a few buildings i realize that if i post that you can enter building "A" from the middle door that is not locked and best time is at dusk or midnight, then security would sure to be to be on the lookout at those locations and things would be even more difficult for us, also they would take additional measure to block them up. so my previous post for saying you guys dont help with info, disregard it i was out of line a bit and too anxious to get into the building. basicly go during the day so you can scout the area yourselfs and see the best ways and building to enter, take your time and be carefull and invisable. then you are prepared to go another day with a plan of when and where you will enter.
also the post from "shadow" was not me, sorry i just this moment realized that that post was made under that name. so your post was somewhat valid in its point.
thanx for the apology, sorry if my post was a little angry but i do believe strongly in the paranormal. and take offense if someone bashes me. i do have a couple pictures ill try to upload and link. got a couple good EVP's also.
Kevin, I have been going to the hospital every now and then for the past few years. I'll make several entries each year to study the effects of nature. Maybe it's because I don't believe but, I have never had a paranormal experience out there. I've had many face to face confrontations with the wild and not so wild life including a coyote and one mad buck but, no ghosts. The best time to make an entry is after it gets dark simply because it is hard for them to see you and they have a lot of property to cover. There are only two security vehicles but the way they keep criss crossing it looks like more. They also substitute unmarked pickups and suv's, don't know why but, could probably guess. Security is tighter now than it was when securitas was out there. They usually sat on there asses all night or were sleeping. The new group puts a lot of miles on their patrols and I have seen them park the vehicles and walk so you aren't sure where they are. They don't have night vision as far as I can tell. Not sure about the SP's though and the staties do have dogs. It is possible to enter, any place is, you just have to know where to park and to stay out of they're line of site. I come up from the tracks then by Ray or the cottages near Lippet. I live on Laurel Hill so I don't worry about where to park and no I don't take people in or let them park on my property. Don't park in the commuter lot because they are usually watching it.
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