Tales From an Attic: Suitcases once belonging to residents of a New York State mental hospital tell the stories of long-forgotten lives.

This text explores the abandoned Willard Asylum for the Insane in New York and the experiences of photographer Jon Crispin as he documents the deteriorating state of the buildings and the personal belongings left behind by former patients. It also discusses the efforts of individuals like Lin Stuhler and Colleen Spellecy to advocate for the recognition and privacy of the patients buried at Willard. The text raises ethical questions about the balance between historical interest and individual privacy, as well as the artistic interpretations of the suitcases and the importance of empathy in understanding the lives of others. It also mentions the preservation efforts for the Willard cemetery, where thousands of patients are buried. [Extracted from the article]