Walter E. Fernald Developmental Center

The Walter E. Fernald Developmental Center includes 72 buildings spread across 196 acres of institutional grounds in Massachusetts.

Established in 1848 as the first publicly funded institution for developmental disabilities in the Western hemisphere, the center relocated to Waltham between 1888 and 1891.

The facility influenced national standards for developmental disability care through its educational methods and institutional practices during the early twentieth century.

The property, acquired by the City of Waltham, now contains walking paths and green spaces accessible to visitors during daylight hours.

Medical experiments conducted at the facility in the mid-twentieth century led to changes in research regulations and patient rights across Massachusetts.

Location: Waltham

Address: 200 Trapelo Road

GPS coordinates: 42.39111,-71.21056

Latest update: September 24, 2025 10:13