Letchworth Village

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Letchworth Village
Letchworth Village building, December 2011
Geography
Location	Rockland County, New York, United States
Coordinates	41°12′53″N 74°01′25″W / 41.214793°N 74.023676°W / 41.214793; -74.023676
Organization
Type	psychiatric hospital
History
Opened	1911
Closed	1996
Links
Lists	Hospitals in New York State

Letchworth Village was a residential institution located in Rockland County, New York, in the hamlet of Thiells built for the physically and mentally disabled of all ages, from the newborn to the elderly. Opened in 1911, Letchworth Village at its peak consisted of over 130 buildings spread out over many acres of land. It was named for William Pryor Letchworth, who espoused reform in the treatment and care of the insane, epileptics, and poor children.

Reports of inadequate funding and improper care of the residents, including children, were present dating back to the 1920s. Accounts surfaced of residents being found unclothed, unbathed, and neglected. In addition to rampant abuse among the institution's residents, staff also suffered abuse at the hands of co-workers, which included incidents of rape. The institution gained national attention in 1972 from an exposé by Geraldo Rivera.

In 1996 the institution was permanently closed down, and many of its abandoned structures have since fallen into serious disrepair.