The Menninger Historic Psychiatry Collection includes many notable individuals in the field of psychology and psychiatry. Other individuals such as King George III (right) are included for being famously "mad".
The material found in this collection was donated to or collected by members of the Menninger family. The activities and achievements of the following individuals are highlighted in this collection.
Lucio Bini discovered electro-convulsive shock therapy, aided by fellow Italian Ugo Cerletti, in 1938. Anton Boisen headed the clinical pastoral education movement which taught the benefits of having hospital chaplains and theology in the mental health setting. Dorothea Dix was a mental health advocate and activist for designated mental health facilities and asylums dedicated to the treatment of those suffering from a mental illness. Henry Havelock Ellis was a British psychologist who studied human sexuality. Anna Freud and her father, Austrian psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, often corresponded with members of the Menninger family. This photograph (below) shows Anna Freud meeting Dr. Karl Menninger and Dr. Bob Menninger.
Harry Guntrip was a psychoanalyst who published several works relating to the development of the psyche based on one's environment. William James was an American psychologist and philosopher. Herman S. Major operated a psychiatric facility devoted to the treatment of alcoholics in Kansas City, Missouri. Silas Weir Mitchell was an American physician who specialized in neurology and authored many poems and short stories. Florence Nightingale pioneered the field of nursing in the 19th Century. Nina Ridenour authored a fifty year history of mental health in the United States, as well as many other publications. Benjamin Rush, in addition to being a signatory of the Declaration of Independence, is known as the "Father of American Psychology." Elmer Ernest Southard directed the Boston Psychopathic Hospital and mentored Dr. Karl Menninger. Frankwood E. Williams directed the National Committee for Mental Hygiene. Walker Winslow authored a biography about the Menninger family.
Congratulations are once again in order to the visitors, volunteers, and staff who support and work to improve digital access to the collections of the Kansas Historical Society. Kansas Memory has surpassed its 300,000th image. That means we've added over 50,000 images in just under five months. The 300,000th image is...
The Coffeyville City Schools
A. A. Hughart, Superintendent
R. Y. Kennedy, Principal H. S.
Coffeyville Kansas
Feb. 19, 1915.
Mr. Fred Brinkerhoff,
Pittsburg, Kans.
Dear Mr. Brinkerhoff;
Since the superintendency has been filled, I can give you a word from my heart and not be misunderstood. You are a bunch of fine fellows and I appreciate the kindness shown me and the Association while we were with you. I did not have time to see the President of the Chamber of Commerce, but you tell him how we all feel toward all of you. Mr. Brandenberg is a gem and I hope that everything will clear up for a greater Normal School and a bigger Pittsburg. Will you please send my cut soon as I am in need of it. Again thanking you, I am
Very truly,
A. A. Hughart
AAH-EW
The above letter is written by Arthur Abram Hughart, superintendent of Coffeyville schools who helped establish a kindergarten in the district. Beginning in 1914, he served as president of the Southeastern Kansas Teacher's Association. Hughart also encouraged local teachers to continue their professional development by attending the Normal School in Pittsburg mentioned in the letter. Hughart also makes a very positive reference to William A. Brandenburg, the longest serving president at Pittsburg State University. This letter is part of the Frederick W. Brinkerhoff Papers. Brinkerhoff was a prominent newspaper editor and publisher in Kansas working for the Ottawa Herald, Fort Scott Republican, Chanute Sun, Chanute Tribune, Kansas City Star, Pittsburg Headlight, and the Pittsburg Sun, among others. He served as president of the Kansas Press Association in 1935 and served as chairman of the Kansas Associated Press in 1946.
A special thanks to our intern, Dustin Burgess, for transcribing our 300,000th image and his ongoing work transcribing the Adjutant General correspondence.