Museum hosts book launch and signing

By Ashley Luthans

St. Joseph Museums hosted a book launch and signing with the authors on Tuesday.

“St. Joseph State Hospital — 150 Years” dives into the history of the hospital in St. Joseph from 1874 to now.

Authors of the book, Scott Clark and Michelle “Shelly” Haynes, were present at the museum location at 3406 Frederick Ave. in order to sign books and talk to community members.

Clark and Haynes both expressed excitement for the release of the book.

Originally called “State Lunatic Asylum No. 2,” the hospital changed immensely throughout its history. The hospital became the “Northwest Missouri Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center” in 1997 and is now located across the street from the original St. Joseph State Hospital.

The book is available for purchase at the museum on Frederick Avenue. It is also available online at the museum’s website and on Amazon.