What do you consider to be unique about your specific building compared to other Kirkbrides?

Greystone’s beauty and massive size. It’s pre-fire, ornate roofline and admin facade was very unique for Kirkbride asylums.

What has been your greatest challenge in preservation?

Navigating local, state and federal laws and regulations, a major but necessary drag on the process of preservation.

How did your community react to the idea of restoration, and did their reactions change after completion of the project?

Regarding Danvers State Hospital, most locals supported the idea while some wanted it gone. Thanks to the efforts of many people, including John Archer and Richard Trask, the admin and two wings were saved. After completion, I would say most of the community embraced the new site.

What Kirkbride site, apart from your own, have you viewed as being most worthy of preservation?

Hudson River State Hospital in Poughkeepsie, New York.

What drew you to Kirkbride plan buildings?

Standing underneath the admin of Danvers State Hospital, I felt so small and that there was so much to explore in the physical structure but also in the building’s deep history.

What is unique about your preservation efforts vs what is being done with similar projects elsewhere?

In regard to my own successful efforts over the years, I would say my use of FOIR (Freedom of Information Request) to get vital information, which I would use to implement changes in my preservation practices. Local, state or federal agencies may not have made this information public otherwise, thus hindering the public’s effort in preserving these delicate histories.

What got you interested in preservation?

A group called Preserve Greystone, lead by preservationist John Huebner, who is my hero of preservation.

What got you interested in Kirkbride preservation, specifically?

The senseless destruction of Greystone State Hospital.

What unexpected thing did you learn from preserving a Kirkbride that you might pass along to others in support of their efforts?

Go forth with confidence, and if one avenue of approach does not work, try another until you find a way.

Would you be interested in supporting a museum exchange among Kirkbrides that enables exhibition materials, artifacts and ephemera to travel among participating Kirkbrides?

Yes, of course!