The hospital first opened its doors in 1904 in Norwich, Connecticut. It was built in an idyllic location chosen for its therapeutic properties overlooking the River Thames.
The Norwich Insane Asylum was built isolated from civilization, which worked to its benefit as it began to grow during its early years sprouting new buildings that accompanied the original construction (see aerial view of the hospital here). These new construction projects included patient wards, staff cottages, laboratories and workshops. All of the structures were interconnected by a large network of underground utility tunnels. These tunnels transported electricity, hot water, and patients to various areas on the grounds. The hospital remained self-sufficient, almost like a small town, with its own power plant, pump house, working farm, kitchen, theater and church.
Over 3,000 patients and 1,000 employees were residents on the asylum grounds in the 1950’s.
Slowly patients began to leave Norwich State Hospital due to deinstitutionalization and it permanently closed its doors in 1996. Since then time has basically stood still on the property with a few exceptions. Currently there is talk about converting the grounds into a theme park, but nothing has been set in stone.
After a long tedious drive we leave the car in a commuter parking lot close to the buildings. Ever the vigilant group of explorers we notice a State Trooper making his rounds and dive into the forest for cover. Luckily we outsmarted the police yet again and after regrouping walk along the Thames River for a few hundred feet. We finally see the abandoned pump house looming in the distance and decide to make this our entryway into the campus.
This site has a reputation for being well guarded, well patrolled, and does not take kindly to trespassers. I am always on edge when exploring across the Atlantic and the numerous “State Property – No Trespassing” signs that litter the grounds did not bode well for my paranoia. Instead of exposing ourselves above ground to security and prying eyes, we decided to take the underground route through the utility tunnels.
Using the tunnels we explored many buildings without ever being forced to go outside. This method of travel was soon confirmed to be the safest. On our first attempt to venture outside we were only a few feet away from a security officer in a black uniform. Fortunately he didn’t look our way and we quickly receded back into the tunnel network. For a while we hid in the abandoned theater so we could look around the campus without being seen.
This encounter with security dampened our spirits and made our visit a whole lot shorter than we would have liked. We made our grande exit through the empty chapel, this allowed us to avoid walking back through the forest. As we were walking back to the commuter lot to pickup our car we noticed the State Trooper had been watching us as we suspiciously walked down the road. I wonder where we went to and were coming back from?!
Archive document introducing a new therapy (click to enlarge):
Special thanks to Dr. Bob for sharing the old postcards.
Plumb island- is a level 5 facility operated by homeland security now (changed after9/11). It is very real, they do bio weapons research as well as many other things. The nastiest bio-organisims you can think of are there. What are you looking at it on Chris? If you look on g. Earth you can see the old layout of the island, it is not how it looks now- you can't get any current images for obvious reasons, but look closely at the g.earth images- you can tell the buildings shown aren't real. Oddly enough you can see the sub base... You can find quite a bit of info on plumb, very controversial, like the fact that three different rare diseases originated within a small perimeter of the island... There is a lot to talk about with that place!
I got that ifo a few weeks ago, from the New London Day, or the Norwich Bulletin. IDk anything about Plum Island personally, except that some of the people I know who own boats have said they are serious about keeping people off the island, with the exception of SOS emergencies, and even then, they have security escort you to a safe haven.
Supposedly, its to prevent any infectious disease from being carried off-island.
it would be great if bomb was at plum island that fag
HAhaha ..No i defiantly don't want a run in with any cowboy's of NSH.. Glad you finally had something to say JPT..felt like I was the only one here. That's crazy about Plum Island. However if you look at the current location..there is nothing there..I don't know much about the current site I'm aware of the purpose of the island..and what is ..said..to go on there..but I see a lack of ANYTHING on that island at all. Scanning across the site you will see nothing but a road from tip to tip..one shore has a residential area sitting on it..where exactly are these testing facilities? Any link to this info at all?
By the way..on a personal note to the regular users here..I spoke with sparkles..everything is well and fine..no need for conspiracy theories anymore.... I guess.
...you get some gung-ho cowboy who thinks hes Dirty Harry and gonna go bust the trespassers and show them who is boss! Kinda scary, some of these yahoos who think they have some authority, but no real training about what they can and cant do legally. And some o' them Preston boys dont play real nice!
So, they are moving the amimal infectious disease center from Plum Island to Manhatten, Kansas. And talking about a private sale of the island! Archie, you hearing this? A fully laid out RESEARCH FACILITY, on an ISOLATED ISLAND, Purchased by some "private" firm/group/individual! If that dont get yer conspiricy bells ringing, I dont know what will!
Anybody out there seen the 2008 flik, "Deadgirl"??
It's old news however this solves the question of whom the other vehicles on the grounds were..they're just state workers who couldn't give a shit less about the place..happy infiltrating.
Security
Preston put out a request for proposals for security and will choose a firm next month. In the meantime, Preston will stay with Security Services of Connecticut and pay for one officer, 16 hours per day. Other hours will be covered by town employees. Preston Redevelopment Agency Chairman Kent Borner expects to pay about one-quarter of the $545,000 the state paid.
I'm d for anything that you won't get shot or imprisoned on terror charges for...haa, but other than that my fear tolerance is far too high! The only other factor for me is work... Oh shit! Bomb- you're in the secret lab?
I too..have a few sites here in CT that are possible gold mines for a busy day of infiltrating. I'm always good to go..I usually just wait till I have a friend or two to come along. Which is hit or miss. If you don't mind traveling there are a bunch of places scattered all around CT. I have on in mind that no one is really down for..and another that sounds like fun..And another that I have never had experience with..Drains aren't really my thing but found a good one..9 miles with 30 ft ceilings..interesting?
Yea, that was where I was going with the rubble piles, just didn't want to say it. I think the last time they pulled those shenanigans someone did contact the state/EPA and got that stopped. Yep, they legally have to take precautions with asbestos removal. The whole back tip of the tunnel is down an scattered around to block entrances, it was a sad thing to see. As far as security, what I saw last week was two of the typical cars and a unmarked truck rolling around, and a car parked in the commuter lot with no one in it as we drove by on the way up. He was gone on the way out, I don't know what was up with that, it was a sedan with the light on it- I think...I wouldn't have any expectations on security right now. It seems somewhat random based on the last couple trips- post contract lapse.
Chris I'll shoot you an email tonight. And there are a few spots that are more isolated and trickier to get in that are well worth seeing.
I want to mention metro 2033- hoooly shit is it a great game for 'splorers. It's a great game in general but things like watch your headlight to not be noticed don't step on the broken glass and the environments/atmosphere are perfect! I have pics that you could put up against screenshots that are identical. I know the folks behind stalker had alot to do with this one. It's kinda hard and can get a little argh! but in a good way usually. I can't recommend this game enough!
according to stabmasterarson the security has apparently picked back up. I have no way of verifying this right now. The ruble piles he speaks of is more than likely just them digging up and back filling the tunnels to all the other buildings. Last I was there I saw 100 fire extinguishers and a backhoe by the chiller. I'm sure they're just spending money and back filling all other access to the other buildings. Which to me..Is a violation of some kind. There are rooms in the tunnels where there is plastic which states "Full body covering required to access this area asbestos removal in progress" ..this doesn't make sense to me. I used to work in commercial construction and know how to spot asbestos..the tunnels under NSH are chock filled. There is no way they are going through the proper measures to remove the asbestos in those area's that they are digging up and flopping back over..which only means they are now releasing these potentially dangerous toxins into the air. I was tempted to contact someone and question there motives..they state that they are more worried of the health of the people whom are infiltrating this site..which was part of the reason they put security on the site. Also I had read an article saying that it was in fact a factor in closing down the facility ..(among other speculations and theories) If this is true..then why is it okay for workers and the environment to just dig this shit up? Look at pictures of asbestos abatement ..NONE of the precautions are being taken place at the norwich site. Seems to me that someone here is either dropping the ball and taking shortcuts..and figuring that no one would know..or it's some sort of extreme measure to cover up something that has yet to be uncovered. If you notice..the first tunnels to be demolished and blocked up were to the admin building..not only this..but certain buildings were literally blocked with walls first..Example. Seymour has been blocked with a block wall..while you can still get into literally all of the other buildings on that tunnel system. Why? Kettle was one of the newest buildings..why not that one? They have been doing this for a while now..however..I too have noticed more and more of these little spots showing up lately. Now of course no one is supposed to be there..However it was somewhat of a joke that they let TAPS there just because they threw them a few grand. Nothing against TAPS what so ever..But the state kind of owes an explanation..All records of patients were "destroyed" yet most patients were sent to CVH ..Saying the records had been caught in a fire..yet they were or should have been in an admin building..? ..Abandoned articles which aren't your ordinary abandoned articles litter this place..This is what originally pulled me into this place they "up and left" ..I dont care what other people think of this post. Or the Norwich Site. JPT said that what made this site interesting was the thrill of sneaking in..Read this post and think about it.. Everything about norwich is still left unanswered even after you visit 9999 times..Sparkles had it right..Looking up people..finding them ..interviewing them.. getting a real perspective..and documenting it that way.. I plan to put this in motion.. Good day.
well, work has been about as hectic as it ever could be. but other than that no news here, been an odd month i guess. im curious if they are in disassemble mode in the labs seeing that the tight security has ceased, thats my guess.
blink......blink.........
I would be down for about anything..I'm actually going to a site this weekend that has been about 3 months in the making for me..but Jersey sounds fun. Everyone here has my e-mail..creynolds429@yahoo.com I will forward you my number if you wanna work something out. I'm low on resources lately but if I have time to prepare it should be a good trip.
As far as Norwich..I was there about a week ago..and seemed like there was still only one guard. I never made it to the Admin..it being that I stuck to the tunnels most of the time..If you know a way in..perhaps we can get together for that one.
Oh, you too jpt, if you wanna go. Some fuel for the fire: ya know there is a small section of tunnel sealed off at both ends that there's only one way into....
Oh, security is about the same as it ever was! I didn't go this weekend, but last week they were rollin' around, business as usual. For the last few trips I was hitting the harder areas, and last week I brought a friend for their first time. So we went "up the middle" and the grand entrance is no more, again, but this times much worse! There are also new rubble piles around and lots of trees/shrubbery down and piled up. There's also new signage around. At least one of those rubble piles was in a spot that could be a new collapse, making things difficult for a big area. I've still got to look into that though. So it was a little tougher than usual last week.
I go to a bunch of other spots too and am always looking for new ones, which in the noreast isn't a problem! That's why I'm in and out around here. The wich is my home court-so to speak-and I've been getting the whole place on film. Pretty much done except for reshots. There just aren't enough spots around that you can get totally immersed in like in asylumland, where you can look out most windows and see nothing but abandonment. I just wish I'd been into the photo thing back when that place still had most of it's contents. Hey chris, ya down for some jersey jails?
Just not a lot to say. It appears that with the security no longer an issue, NSH isnt that exciting any more. Evidentally, it wasnt the site that was exciting but sneaking past the guards. Bomb/John has been outed as a troll, and if nobody plays with him, he has no fun being here. Havent heard from Sparkles in a week or so, must be busy with real-world issues. Archie, Z, etc are all off doing whatever, I guess. MIA. Pretty sure Axeman is ghosting the forum, much as JPT does. Chris is still active, thats good.
My feeling is the adventure at NSH is concluded, they went from a cool FORBIDDEN PLACE (shout out to Sylv!) to just a bunch of run down buildings, the exploration exhausted, and being left to the homeless, and the copper theives, and whatever wild critters choose to inhabit them till they are finally torn/fall down.
RIP, NSH.
haha..noo...no labs..trust me. At least I haven't been abducted yet. I've still been on here everyone else has..moved on. For the most part I have been at other abandonments..Fortunately I have alot of places to go besides NSH..So what's the news with norwich..I will talk to you still..
Well I guess that's it folks, this forum is now more abandoned than the actual abandonment it's about. So to all of you out there in asylumland: good luck, thanks for playing- goodnight....
Come on guys, Come back!!! There's a been a bunch of bullshit goin on at the wich and who the hell am I gonna talk about it with- the normal townfolk? Me thinks not...Sparkles? Jpt? Chris? Archie?....z........bomb???? Have you all gone over to the light-side? Maybe jpt was right and there is some underground lab deal that I've managed to miss over the years...are you guys there? Blink once for yes, twice for no, three times for maybe...
Well..Kuso ..some of the buildings are falling into many pieces..however..many of the buildings are still in pretty define shape.
wow ! nsh is still in one piece?!
Potato..I know all about Bomb's b.s ..Everything I said is a fact. I'm not attacking him..I've just stated what the purpose of this forum is..and how his little hobby effects our way of life..You really think NSH..or any other site would have been so heavily patrolled if vandals like bomb never made there move on these places? He admitted it.. Ignore him? what for..there's no other conversations being applied on this bored. I have a personal vendetta with bomb. I don't care about his stutter..or tiny dick and balls..his lack of knowledge and the fact he refuses to sound words out.. One day Sparkles or not..he will get his.
Chris you forget bomb is a guard with SSC you gotta look back at posts his name is John B...he worked at NSH but was moved because he was makin up stories and a lousy guard. he fucks around with the people he works with. so you can imagine how popular he musta been!! anyway he now works at AVCRAD the army repair facility still with SSC...from what I read hes a compulsive liar both here and in life... and I think Sparkles will kick him in his tiny nuts if she sees him...I say tiny cuz I saw pics he sent...small penis and brain. he only posts while at work because hes married and seems to like tryin to fuck around on wife...best to just ignore him and he will go back to cruising Myspace for 16 year olds....
hey chris it sound like you were on the end of that phone at one time that ,s ok man did you like my song,s an i will keep doing what i want when i want got it good GOOD DAY TO YOU SIR ASS WIPE
The reason you don't post pic is because your a vandal..or you haven't been to most of the locations you claim to have been. I do however agree..security does in fact watch message boards such as ours..however..honestly no one here is posting a map with a pushpin saying " this is where you get in " if it's patrolled by security..there is a time lapse somewhere where you can make a grand entrance of your choice. Security will have a tough time watching over all the buildings that people post pictures of. As far as "messing" with security..you really shouldn't hold a grudge that you took the 8 hour course for your ct guard card and even so got booted off the Norwich site..there's always someone waiting to replace you..I have an idea for you..IF ..and I say IF ..you truly have some love affair with guards..why don't you DIRECTLY go to there place of work..and mess with them face to face..see where it will land you.. I'm not talking about calling them and playing songs over the phone..or pretending your in the buildings on there sites..im talking about face to face with them..again..no hiding in the bushes..nor the closet bomb. Take your hobby and capitalize on it make a message board all about it..where people like yourself can congregate and laugh all about it. Because to me..it's drawing attention to sites..and giving Urban Explorer's a bad rap. This is why cops and security guards are so quick to ticket us..or slap the cuffs on someone that's just trying to document and explore buildings being left to decay. What we are doing here is correct..You on the other hand..Are simply a pain in the ass to everyone here alike. GOOD DAY SIR.
right but this goes for others you do the samthing now you look back to last year an most of what i wrote was to fuck with the SECURITY.an yes spell check would be nice sorry about that okey now i feel when you post pics security goes on here all the time too see what were doing when you post pics thos are the spots they whatch out for. an i have some pics but what does pic prove nothing i can down load some pics from somebody an say there mine right .look i get off fucking with security okey that,s my thing
You'd be surprised in how cool pictures of exteriors could come out. You just gotta hit it at the right time. My favorites are when the paint is just peeling off the wood siding..overgrown grass..maybe some gutters filled with some type of plant life..Sounds like an interesting photo op. Just have fun with it.. make it your own and I bet it will look awesome.
Yeah..my trips around New Haven are rather dangerous..I guess I overlook it because I live so close. Most of the spots that I have been to seem to be in bad areas..but at the same time are patrolled quite often. Police presence is part of the game when Urban Exploring..however this is drug dealers and gang members worst enemy..so in a sense..the cops kinda help us UE's out. ..they keep gangs and drug dealers out of these sites. And English Station is sealed up tighter than tight..Slick Steel fences and barbed wire..Nobody who doesn't have a habit of this hobby is gonna mess around in that place.
I understand. I'm tempted to call sparkles..Make sure she's not up to mischief.
...and I'd be leery of roaming around New Haven at night. Gang territory, and if they have laid claim to the site, best to just leave them be. Some of them people do not play, they will shoot you and dump your body in the water before you even know they are there. Not friendly turf.
In my travels to Maine, I have seen quite a few old, abandoned homes, I am thinking about taking pics of them form the outside, sort of an AMERICAN DECAY kind of project. Might be interesting. Might not. Have to wait till my next voyage.
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