The Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital

The Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital occupies 340 acres of former farmland and features Gothic Revival architecture designed by Calvert Vaux, with pointed arches, detailed stonework, and expansive windows that promote natural light throughout the treatment facilities.

Founded in 1853 by Baltimore Quaker merchant Moses Sheppard and opened in 1891, the hospital was established to provide humane psychiatric care as an alternative to the inhumane treatment of mentally ill individuals in American prisons and almshouses.

The hospital pioneered therapeutic approaches including occupational therapy and community outreach programs, while maintaining educational institutions such as the School of Nursing established in 1891 and the School of Mental Health Studies added in the 1970s.

Today the hospital operates as a non-profit institution providing specialized mental health services for children and adults, including substance abuse treatments and special education programs, with facilities accessible by appointment for visitors and professionals.

The hospital houses the Robert W. and Diane E. Gibson Museum containing nearly 2,000 artifacts related to mental health treatment history, many originating from founder Moses Sheppard's personal collection and original architectural drawings by Calvert Vaux.

Location: Baltimore County

Architects: Calvert Vaux

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Website: http://sheppardpratt.org

GPS coordinates: 39.39110,-76.61920

Latest update: July 23, 2025 15:15