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Heritage & Historic Tours
March 30, 2024– November 10th, 2024
Historic Tours leave every hour on the hour. The last 1st Floor Tour
(45 min) leaves at 5:00 p.m. and the last 4 Floor Tour/Paranormal Tour (90 min) leaves at 4:00 p.m.
Daytime tours operate on a 1st come 1st served basis.
Historic Tours do not include any paranormal information.
OFFICE HOURS
Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Historic tours Include
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The history of the treatment of the mentally ill before state-run facilities as well as the people instrumental in improving that treatment.
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The nationwide influence of the Kirkbride Theory.
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The effects the Civil War had on the construction of the oldest parts of the hospital, “The Civil War section.”
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The architectural history of the facility.
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The socioeconomic influence of the facility throughout history, including both World Wars and the Depression Era.
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Facts and features unique to the hospital.
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Medical procedures used throughout the years and much more! Lobotomies, Insulin shock therapy, Hydrotherapy
Historic tours
1st floor tour – south (45 min)
An exciting journey with the 1st-floor South tour! Discover the southern part of the campus and explore the historic Civil War Section of the hospital. Experience a restored Patient ward, and delve into the impact of the Civil War on West Virginia. Gain insights into patient life, explore historical psychiatric treatments, and appreciate the architectural design of the hospital. This tour promises a rich blend of history, intriguing narratives, and the evolution of healthcare practices.
$15.00 + tax
1st floor tour – north (45 min) -NEW TOUR
The tour encompasses a guided walk through the North end of the institution’s campus, including areas like maximum security and the patient art therapy wing. Participants have the opportunity to explore sections of the campus that haven’t been restored, gaining insights into the evolving architectural practices during the asylum’s construction. The tour also delves into aspects of patient life both within and outside the hospital, and psychiatric treatments, and highlights the contributions of Dr. Walter Freeman.
$15.00 + tax
The Criminally Insane tour (45 min)
Embark on an unforgettable journey with The Criminally Insane Tour! Explore the intriguing Forensics Building, the former home of the criminally insane, and unravel the mysteries behind its admissions process. Gain unique insights into the events that unfolded, including a historic riot that brought an end to the facility. Join us for an immersive experience that combines history, psychology, and the allure of the criminally insane.
$15.00 + tax
All 4 floors + 1st floor of the medical center (90 min)
A comprehensive four-floor tour, centered on the main building and its entirety, lasting for 90 minutes. Explore the intricacies of each floor, from the ground level to the top, with a special emphasis on the historical significance of the first floor of the Medical Center. Delve into the captivating stories and architecture of the main building, gaining insights into its past. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the facility, from its early days to the pivotal role it played during significant events such as wars and the Depression. This tour provides a thorough exploration of the main building’s four floors, offering a captivating journey through time and history.
$30.00 + tax
Photography Tour (Reservations required)
The photography tours allow you entry to the interiors of the Kirkbride, the Medical Center, the Geriatric building, the Women’s Auxiliary building, the exteriors of all buildings, and the grounds. This is a semi-guided tour without historical information. Check-in for the photography tour is ½ hour before the start time.
Please dress appropriately for the weather.
Morning Photo Tour (8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) $100.00 + tax
Afternoon Photo Tour (1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) $100.00 + tax
Both $150.00 + tax
The VIP tour (90 min)
(90 min custom tour – first come first served)
The VIP Tour is an exclusive tour that includes a combination of daytime tours. On this tour, you will walk through the Kirkbride building with an experienced, knowledgeable guide. This tour does not have a standardized script or tour route. It combines history, the paranormal, the Civil War, architecture, and treatments. The guide will follow the interests of the group in an interactive way allowing for conversation, questions, and a customized tour experience. It is 90 minutes long and offered on Wednesday at 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm and on Saturday at 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm.
$40.00 + tax
Discover the Asylum tour (Reservations required)
(6 hours)
This is a guided tour, you must stay with your group.
Have you ever wanted to explore ALL of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum? Here is your opportunity. A new, exclusive tour will be available on Mondays.
The Asylum will be closed to the general public on these dates to allow unrestricted access for this tour. Explore with the Asylum’s most seasoned and experienced tour guides. This tour includes all four floors of the main building and the oldest section of the hospital built during the Civil War.
You will learn the history of the Asylum, paranormal experiences, and the methods of medical treatment utilized by the hospital throughout the years. This tour includes an exploration of the Main Building, the Medical Center, the Criminally Insane Unit, and the Women’s Auxiliary building.
This in-depth tour does require a fair amount of physical exertion. Participants must be able to walk long distances and climb several flights of stairs. Guests are urged to wear comfortable shoes, and seasonable attire, and bring a water bottle.
For an additional $10.00* you can add a boxed lunch to your tour. These lunches will be delivered during the 12:30 lunch break and must be ordered in advance.
$150.00 + tax ($10.00 for optional box lunch)
*Proceeds benefit our local senior assistance programs.
