The History of Medfield State Hospital
This series explores the rich history of Medfield State Hospital, guided by the extensive knowledge and research of Richard DeSorgher. A lifelong Medfield resident and the Town Historian, Richard has dedicated himself to preserving the town’s heritage through books, articles, and a long-running newspaper column.
As a member of the Medfield Historical Society and a contributor to numerous Massachusetts state commissions, he is a trusted authority on the area’s past. Together, we’ll uncover the legacy of Medfield State Hospital, reflecting on its profound impact on the community and the lives it touched over the years.
A Vision of Care: The Founding of Medfield State Hospital
In the late 19th century, a growing population and shifting social attitudes prompted Massachusetts to address the critical issue of mental health care. Overcrowded and impersonal, existing institutions were ill-equipped to handle the needs of patients, often providing only basic custodial care. In response, the Massachusetts State Legislature authorized the creation of the Medfield Insane Asylum in 1892, with a bold vision: to create a facility where care, compassion, and community were at the heart of mental health treatment.
A New Approach to Mental Health Care
Medfield Insane Asylum, later renamed Medfield State Hospital, was not just another institution. Its creation reflected a progressive philosophy of treating mental illness with dignity and humanity. Moving away from the large, fortress-like structures of earlier asylums, Medfield was designed to foster a more personal and healing environment for its residents.
Key to this vision was the hospital’s commitment to the “cottage plan.” Unlike traditional hospitals with towering, monolithic buildings, Medfield’s layout resembled a village, with smaller, separate structures grouped around a central quadrangle. This design allowed for more individualized care, promoting the idea that patients could thrive in spaces that felt less institutional and more like home.
The Medfield State Hospital
Credit: Abandoned Adventures

The Early Years: Building Hope
Construction began in 1892 on a scenic parcel of land known as Castle Hill, located in the northwest corner of Medfield. The site, chosen for its natural beauty and tranquility, offered patients a peaceful retreat from the chaos of urban life. Rolling hills, wooded areas, and open fields created a setting that felt restorative and welcoming.
The project was a massive undertaking. Italian bricklayers were brought in from Boston to construct the buildings, and over 200 workers labored daily to bring the ambitious vision to life. Steam shovels roared across the grounds, laying the foundation for what would become a self-contained community. By May 1896, twelve buildings were completed, ready to welcome the first patients.
Leadership with a Mission
Dr. Edward French, Medfield’s first superintendent, played a pivotal role in shaping the hospital’s culture and operations. He envisioned a place where patients could not only receive medical care but also engage in meaningful daily routines that fostered a sense of purpose. Under his leadership, Medfield quickly became known for its innovative approach to mental health care, setting a new standard for institutions across the state.
Dr. French’s reports to the Board of Trustees reflected his dedication to both the physical and emotional well-being of patients. He emphasized creating a nurturing environment, where individuals were not merely confined but actively encouraged to participate in activities that enhanced their quality of life.

Medfield State Asylum, Doctor’s Cottage and Nurses’ Home, Medfield, Massachusetts – Postcard
The Grand Opening
On a sunny day in May 1896, Medfield State Hospital opened its doors to its first patients, many of whom had been transferred from overcrowded facilities in Taunton and Danvers. The event was a milestone not only for the hospital but also for the town of Medfield. For weeks, townspeople gathered along the roads to watch as patients arrived via horse-drawn wagons, curious about this new “city” rising in their midst.
The hospital began with 600 residents, but the capacity quickly expanded as additional buildings were completed. Within a year, the population reached 1,000, and the hospital became a cornerstone of the state’s mental health care system.
A Legacy of Compassion
The founding of Medfield State Hospital marked a turning point in how society approached mental health care. It was not just a place of treatment but a community built on the principles of respect, empathy, and healing. Patients were no longer seen as outcasts but as individuals deserving of care and dignity.
Today, Medfield’s legacy lives on in its historic buildings and the stories of those who worked and lived there. As we reflect on its founding, we are reminded of the power of compassion and innovation to transform lives—and how one institution’s vision helped shape the future of mental health care.