Location: First floor of the iSchool in the UTA building
Life, Labor, & Legacy: Austin State Hospital aims to provide glimpses into the lives of Texans who worked or received treatment at Texas’ first residential psychiatric facility, known as the Texas State Lunatic Asylum from 1861 – 1925. The exhibit explores three key terrains from ASH: everyday life, routine medical care, and scientific research. The exhibit includes artifacts on loan from ASH, such as a hot comb and razor, a microscope, and an antique doctor’s bag with historical vials and medications. The topic reveals both strengths and shortcomings throughout ASH’s tenure, and exemplifies how psychiatric care has changed since the mid-19th century. Visitors are encouraged to reflect on the past and present through the exhibit and leave comments, musings, and questions.