New York State Office of Mental Health Subject Files

This series, consisting of subject files from several sources within the Department of Mental Hygiene, was assembled by author Leo Polaski. The files relate to various topics and pertain to the mental health facilities of Kings Park State Hospital, Pilgrim State Hospital, and Central Islip State Hospital. Types of records include newspaper clippings, circular letters, nursing school yearbooks, articles, reports, and manuals.

B1974Series B1974, New York State Office of Mental Health Photographic Material, and

B1975Series B1975, New York State Department of Mental Hygiene Plans, contain additional records on Central Islip, Kings Park, and Pilgrim State Hospitals acquired by author Leo Polaski.

Folder list is available at the repository.

This series was part of a transfer of records from Hofstra University on Long Island to the New York State Archives. Hofstra University received the collection from Leo Polaski, who donated the material in sections starting in 2003. It is uncertain from what sources Mr. Polaski acquired or salvaged these records, which he ultimately used to publish a book entitled The Farm Colonies: Caring for New York City's Mentally Ill in Long Island's State Hospitals. The arrangement of the collection was maintained by Hofstra University as it was received from Mr. Polaski.

Some boxes are restricted in accordance with Mental Hygiene Law, Section 33.13, relating to confidentiality of clinical records. Access is permitted under certain conditions upon approval by the Office of Mental Health.