THE WALLS STILL TALK
A Photographic Journey Through Kings Park Psychiatric Center
By Author/Photographer John Lazzaro
On Sunday, April 14th, the Historical Society of Islip Hamlet hosted John Lazzaro, author and award-winning photographer. Mr. Lazzaro gave a fascinating power point program highlighting his experiences with the abandoned buildings of the Kings Park Psychiatric Hospital. The art photographs of the buildings and the comparison to the original structures were remarkable and hauntingly beautiful. The audience of almost fifty people were quite interested in the photos but also the history of Kins Park Psychiatric Hospital, the oldest and largest in New York State. Mr. Lazzaro’s riveting stories of the history of the many buildings that comprised this hospital fascinated the audience and encouraged discussion from those who had family members who had worked there in the past. Mr. Lazzaro was able to share his vivid images as well as the history of the hospital’s origins. His presentation focused on the history of the site which is being lost to vegetation and neglect. At the conclusion of the program, he offered his signed books for sale.
In the photo are Society board members with Mr. Lazzaro (l-r): Dawn Callaway, Roberta Drake, Valerie Schuster, Jean Marie Reiszl, Chris Canasco & Mr. Lazzaro.
