I've compiled a 63-page digital PDF research guide devoted entirely to teaching you the best way to research people who may have been in an asylum, state hospital or institution. There's no magical formula for finding those records, so I guide you through the steps to figuring it out.
 
Released 2 Oct 2026
 
This guide is best for U.S. research, not global asylum or institution research.
 
This guide contains 4 sections:
Could your ancestor have been institutionalized?
What records might exist?
Locating the records
Examples/Interpretation
 
This is a digital download in PDF form. Unlike my previous guides where there is a digital viewing version for those who want it in widescreen and a printer-friendly version for those who want to print it, this guide can work for either option. It is vertical and is formatted for U.S. Letter or A4 paper.
 
By purchasing this book, you agree not to share this PDF with anyone who has not purchased it as this is under my copyright. Want to share it with someone? Purchase 1 copy for each person you wish to share it with.
 
After purchase, you will receive a receipt and download email at the email address associated with your payment type. You can also log in to your account on my website and download from the My Orders page. Links are valid for 30 days.