This week on Invisible Histories, we are sharing Part 2 of our two-part journey to the Skagit Valley to visit the Northern State Hospital & Cemetery, a large psychiatric hospital and self-sustaining therapeutic farm and community from 1912-1973 in Sedro-Woolley, WA. Check out Part 1 that focuses on the Northern State Hospital cemetery (episode released on 10/7/25).

We are joined by John Horne, our guide, who shares personal anecdotes and insights about the hospital's history, revealing how it served as a sanctuary for many, despite the stigma surrounding mental health care in the past. Join us as we explore its forgotten past and the lives that once thrived within its walls.

We discuss the hospital's self-sustaining community, where patients engaged in meaningful work, from farming to crafting, and the misconceptions that have led to its vilification over the years. This episode sheds light on the complex narratives of mental health treatment, the evolution of care, and the societal implications of neglecting our most vulnerable populations.

The buildings themselves are neglected and vulnerable, and the place is a shell of its former function and glory.

Check out our Instagram for images related to this episode.

Join us as we delve into:

• The historical significance of Northern State Hospital and its role in the community
• Firsthand accounts of life within the hospital and the voluntary nature of patient work
• The impact of societal changes on mental health care and the importance of remembering history to avoid repeating past mistakes
• Explorations of the hospital's architecture and the stories embedded within its walls
• Plans for preservation and public engagement to honor the legacy of those who lived and died at Northern State

"Northern State was a really great place where thousands of people lived the best lives they could have had at the time." - John Horne

This episode is a poignant reminder of the need for compassion and understanding in our approach to mental health, urging listeners to reflect on how we treat those in need today.

Show Notes:

• Northern State Hospital History
• Sedro-Woolley Museum
• Video exploring Northern State Hospital (Gemini Discover)
• Northern State Hospital Wikipedia

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Show notes and photos available at: www.invisible-histories.com/episodes

Credits:

Episode recorded on site at Northern State Hospital Cemetery

Edited by Elke Hautala

Cover art: Image by Elke Hautala; design by Cari Simson

Free Music Archive - Creative Commons track called Creepy Piano by Holizna

Cari Simson and Elke Hautala formed Invisible Histories to visually and viscerally connect the public to experiences from the past. Their Invisible Histories podcast unearths diverse local stories and forgotten places. www.invisible-histories.com

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