Bryce Hospital first opened in Tuscaloosa to provide humane treatment for the mentally ill in 1861. 150 years later, the hospital closed in 2014 and sat vacant until plans were proposed to convert it into a mental and civil rights museum.
The Bryce Hospital Museum officially opened on the University of Alabama campus Friday, reminding visitors of the state’s contributions to mental health research and treatment practices.
Bryce Hospital has held a special place in the hearts of state leaders for decades. Governor Lurene Wallace made a historic investment in mental health when Governor Kay Ivey visited Bryce as an intern. Under Governor Riley, the Wyatt case was resolved, changing national and international mental health policy. A lawsuit filed on behalf of Bryce patients became the longest-running lawsuit in state history.
Prior to the creation of the Alabama Department of Mental Health, there were three mental health facilities in the state: Bryce Hospital, Searcy Hospital, and Partlow Developmental Center. Bryce Hospital had supervisory authority over the other two facilities.
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At a ceremony marking the museum’s opening, Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Leadbetter (R-Rainsville) told attendees that Alabama was reaffirming its commitment and impressive progress in the field of mental health.
“The Bryce Museum is a testament to our state’s renewed commitment to support.
“It has been an honor to work with Governor Ivey, Commissioner Boswell, and so many incredible private sector partners and advocates to expand access to mental health care in Alabama,” said House Speaker Nathaniel Leadbetter.
“Our work is just beginning, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to advance Alabama’s crisis care system.”
Alabama Department of Mental Health Commissioner Kimberly Boswell praised the state’s history of mental health innovation and advancement.
“We opened the Bryce Hospital Museum,
“It’s a pioneer in mental health care in the state of Alabama,” Boswell said. “Bryce Hospital is a cornerstone in the state’s mental health care journey and a pioneer in innovation and service.”
Austin Shipley is a staff writer for Yellow Hammer News. You can follow him at X @ShipleyAusten.
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