Built on the grounds of the former Willowbrook State School, the College of Staten Island has made preserving, understanding, and learning from that history an important part of its mission.
That history recently received broader attention through PIX11’s Eileen Explores series, which took viewers inside the former Willowbrook site and examined its complicated and consequential past. The segment, “NYC Off the Grid: Inside the History of Willowbrook,” explores the history of the institution and the transformation of the property into the vibrant College of Staten Island campus of today.
In the feature, WPIX reporter Eileen Lehpamer met with CSI Professor and Archivist James Kaser to discuss the history in detail, and the College’s Archives and Special Collections materials, which houses extensive Willowbrook-related materials. CUNY Archivist Natalie Milbrodt was also featured, offering a tour of the special collection of materials.
The video also prominently features coverage of the Willowbrook Mile, a 12-station memorial walking trail across the campus, which provides an opportunity for visitors to explore the site’s history firsthand.
Watch the full PIX11 feature, “NYC Off the Grid: Inside the History of Willowbrook,” on PIX11.
