Pleaseeeee help?!

[u/Zealousideal-Pie4188]

I am researching my great-great-grandmother, who lived at Kings Park State Hospital, and I am hoping someone can help me determine whether there are any photographs or records of her in the New York State Archives.
Her name was Anna Vinnick, although she also used the name Anna O’Brien because she was married to an O'Brien. Her name may have been recorded differently, so I would appreciate it if both names could be searched.
Here is the information I have:
Name: Anna Vinnick / Anna O'Brien
Born: approximately 1907
Died: 1996
Kings Park State Hospital: I know for certain that she was living there in 1950, and I believe she spent much of her adult life there.
Dwelling number in 1950: V32

unfortunately, no one currently living in my family has ever seen her or even knows of a photograph of her. Finding a photograph of her would be incredibly meaningful to our family, as it would be the first time any of us have ever been able to see what she looked like.

Thanks for any help or advice!!!

[u/No-Kaleidoscope-166]

She died the year it was closed.

Have you checked with the Suffolk Co Historical Society to see what they can tell you?

https://www.suffolkcountyhistoricalsociety.org/

Or the NY State Archives? I'm sure the archivists there can tell you if it's possible they have images from the facility.

[u/Zealousideal-Pie4188 → u/No-Kaleidoscope-166]

I did email the NY state archives but haven’t received a response. I will try contacting the Suffolk co link you sent.

Thanks!

[u/No-Kaleidoscope-166 → u/Zealousideal-Pie4188]

Call the Archives. I made plans to visit the NC State Archives. I sent a long email like 3 weels ahead of time to make sure they will have things I'm looking for, b/c I was planning on spending the whole day there. I gave them a week to find my email, snd they never responded. I called after that first week, and the lady there was very nice, she found my email, and we chatted for a long time and solidified my plans.

I would expect the NY State Archives to be busier than the NC Archives. Your email may be behind a long list. Just call.

Good luck! 💜

[u/Zealousideal-Pie4188 → u/No-Kaleidoscope-166]

Ok, I will do that tomorrow! I live in AL so definitely can’t go there easily.

[u/Jazzlike_Twist4233]

The Meaning of Code V32

• The "V" Prefix: The letter "V" was specifically used by census takers to classify an individual as an institutional inmate or patient, differentiating them from the hospital's live-in doctors, nurses, and administrative staff. [1]
• The "32" Subcode: In the 1950 census classification system, "32" was the category designated for State mental hospitals and psychiatric institutions. [1]
• The Designation: Anyone listed under dwelling number V32 at Kings Park was officially recorded as a resident patient at the state hospital during the census sweep.

[u/Zealousideal-Pie4188 → u/Jazzlike_Twist4233]

Thanks for the info!

[u/Jazzlike_Twist4233]

Historical photos of patients at Kings Park Psychiatric Center are limited due to strict medical privacy laws (such as HIPAA) and the general practice of protecting patient identities. However, several archival images exist showing patients in group settings, participating in occupational therapy, or working on the facility's self-sustaining farm colony.

[u/Zealousideal-Pie4188 → u/Jazzlike_Twist4233]

I did see some group pics but the problem is I have no clue what she looks like so without a name I wouldn’t know if it was her.

[u/Zealousideal-Pie4188]

If anyone needs other details that would be helpful please let me know & I can try to get them!

[u/NicholasLaBelle]

Was she born in the US or Eastern Europe you might get lucky researching her aunts or uncles descendents who may have a picture?

[u/Zealousideal-Pie4188 → u/NicholasLaBelle]

She has Russia listed sometimes and West Virginia listed sometimes so I’m not sure.

[u/NicholasLaBelle → u/Zealousideal-Pie4188]

This family on Familysearch? G3QR-Z2Z

[u/Zealousideal-Pie4188 → u/NicholasLaBelle]

No, that’s crazy though!. She is P7H1-BC6

[u/mzamae]

Any driver license? A medical service health card (social security)? Any 1926-1936 newspapers with marriage memorabilia.

[u/Zealousideal-Pie4188 → u/mzamae]

I do not have a driver license. There’s no newspaper marriage announcement but I do have the marriage license. Also, I believe I have her social security number somewhere.

[u/mzamae → u/Zealousideal-Pie4188]

I am no expert but there could be at least a face photograph somewhere in the health system . Wish you luck