As part of its Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series, the Museum of disABILITY History will host “History, Mystery, Neglect and Hope – A Complete Perspective on the J.N. Adam Memorial Hospital” on Friday, May 12, from 7 to 9 p.m., at Gowanda’s Historic Hollywood Theater, 39 West Main Street, Gowanda, NY. The free community event will include a panel discussion covering the grand beginning of the J.N. Adam Memorial Hospital and its place in medical, historical and architectural relevance to its compelling allure, as well as the ensuing legal battles to determine ownership and landlord responsibility. 

Additionally, the book, J.N. Adam Memorial Hospital: Her Inside Voice by Char Szabo-Perricelli, will be highlighted. The book is the result of a multi-year photo documentation project containing the sensitive images and writing of Szabo-Perricelli. 

A question and answer session will be held with the panel, which includes: Deb Harris, grant writer for Historic Preservation Projects; Michael Kuzma, senior legislative assistant to Fillmore District Council Member David A. Franczyk; Char Szabo-Perricelli, artist/photographer and author; Douglas Platt, curator for the Museum of disABILITY History; and Jody Shaw, Town of Perrysburg historian/curator of the Historical Museum in Perrysburg.

For more information or to register, email David Mack-Hardiman at dmack@people-inc.org or call 716.629.3626. 

Established in 1998, the Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is the only one of its kind in the United States and is dedicated to advancing the understanding, acceptance and independence of people with disabilities. Located in Buffalo, NY, the Museum’s exhibits, collections, publications, archives and educational programs create awareness and a platform for dialogue and discovery.