ABOUT THE EVENT
Phoenixville Public Library will host a free presentation, “Pennhurst: Shame, Tragedy, and Triumph”, on Thursday, January 4 at 6:45 PM. Jim Conroy and Jean Searle will be the speakers. Pennhurst, located in Spring City, was one of the most notorious institutions in American history for people with intellectual disabilities. The neglect and abuse suffered by the people who lived and died there was truly shameful. The resulting Supreme Court case helped inspire passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Long after the institution closed, the land was purchased and turned into a haunted house. What insults to dignity arose from this use of the property? And how has it evolved into a place of more respectful learning and memory? Dr. Jim Conroy is the scientist who tracked Pennhurst residents after they left the institution. Jean Searle was in the process of being admitted to Pennhurst when the federal court system ordered admissions closed. This event is free and open to the public. The program will also be livestreamed on Zoom for those unable to attend in person. Registration is required at https://ccls.libcal.com/calendar/Phoenixville/pennhurst or by calling 610-933-3013 x132. Email mpinto@ccls.org for more information. Phoenixville Public Library is located at 183 Second Avenue, Phoenixville, PA.
610-933-3013 x132
