Dr. Lazarus Bellharm, creator of “electro-phasic cognitive correction”, opened the Bellharm Institute for the Study of the Criminally Insane in 1939. Despite lofty pronouncements and extravagant claims, from the beginning this “modern wonder of civilizing effect” supported unspeakable dehumanizing practices that only produced violent, twisted, and tortured souls. Complaints about the ill-treatment and suspicious deaths of patients began almost immediately, forcing numerous inquiries over the first ten years of the asylum’s operation.

Due to long term scrutiny the name was changed to the Lovejoy Institute of Mental Well-Being in 1950. Dr. Jerome Lovejoy became the titular head of the institute. Along with the name change, there came false promises of improving the care and treatment of the patients, but Lovejoy, a disciple of Bellharm, did little to alter the nightmarish conditions in the asylum. Bellharm was still behind the scenes running the show and continued to practice his horrific version of medicine.

In 1954 operation of the asylum reached a ghastly conclusion on what was innocuously referred to as “Closing Night”. A violent revolt by both inmates and staff members broke out, resulting in the death of Dr. Lovejoy and Dr. Bellharm. Before the night was over approximately twelve staff members and over forty patients also died (the exact number could never be conclusively determined do to the unspeakable condition of the remains). Purportedly, Dr. Bellharm’s demise was particularly gruesome, but the finer details of his fate that night are unknown, since the written reports and photographic documentation created during the investigation immediately following “Closing Night” were “lost”.

The building was quickly boarded shut and has remained so until now.

A recent spike in ghostly sightings surrounding the Bellharm Asylum has inspired a local “Haunt Club” to investigate what has triggered this increase in paranormal activity by going inside…

After months of negotiations with the city council the Asylum is to be opened for just one night for a “by invitation only” tour. This exciting paranormal investigation will be the first opportunity in 55 years to see the inside of the dreaded asylum.

Perhaps you will be one of the unlucky ones to get on the guest list?

Dare to Be Scared.