Making the History of Psychology a Story in South Central Minnesota

There is a need within the field of psychology to conduct more historical research (Chamberlin, 2010). It is important for psychologists to advocate for and appreciate the history of the field and understand how the past can influence the future. We also should work to better inform the public about the treatment of mental illness, as it was in the past and is in the present. South Central Minnesota hosts the state’s only museum dedicated to the history of the treatment of the mentally ill. Few people actually know about this museum. Our research examined what visitors to the Saint Peter Regional Treatment Center museum would like to see in future exhibits and displays at the museum. Visitors to the museum completed brief surveys regarding what psychologically-relevant information they were interested in seeing in displays at the museum. Further, participants were asked their recommendations regarding public promotion of the facility. The goal of this project is to help museum staff continue to promote the field of psychology in the region