Reading Group: "Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum"

Join the St. Anne's Truth & Reconciliation Ministry as we read and discuss Antonia Hylton's book, "Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum." Over five sessions this spring, we will study Hylton's harrowing history of Crownsville Hospital, hoping to come away with a better understanding of this hidden history, its community aftermath, and contemporary efforts to memorialize those who lived, labored, and died there.

Discussion sessions will take place from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm in the Parish Hall on the following dates:

Saturday, 2/21/26 - Part 1: Breaking Ground (participants are also encouraged to attend Janice Hayes-Williams's talk on Crownsville Hospital at the Busch library at 1 pm: Crownsville Through the Ages | Anne Arundel County Public Library)
Saturday, 3/7/26 - Part 2: Fear & Fury
Saturday, 3/21/26 - Part 3: The Promise of Integration
Saturday, 4/11/26 - Part 4: Black Power & Pathology
Saturday, 4/25/26 - Part 5: Where Have all the Patients Gone?

Following the final discussion session, we will visit the Crownsville Hospital Patient Cemetery and the "Say My Name" Memorial at 10 am on Saturday, 5/2/26.

Everyone is welcome to read and discuss with us, even if you can't attend all five sessions and/or the trip to Crownsville in May.