Learn about the deterioration of the abandoned Richardson Olmsted campus and the timeline of its preservation and restoration. Preservationists begin the preservation effort and Sam Hoyt prevents New York State from selling the campus property. Stanford Lipsey advocates for preservation of the campus and the state commits millions of dollars to begin the rehabilitation effort. Buffalo’s active civic community is engaged throughout the process.

In the associated lesson plan, students will explore cause and effect relationships that occurred throughout the timeline of the Buffalo State Hospital — from the Civil War, to the creation of an asylum, and its decay and preservation.