This event is inspired by the book The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear. Historical reenactor, Laura F. Keyes, will share the life of Elizabeth Packard, a woman who was institutionalized in 1860 at the Illinois State Asylum and Hospital for the Insane in Jacksonville, Illinois.  Her husband had her committed against her will for the crime of having opinions contrary to his.  Discover how Elizabeth Packard not only survived, but went on to become an advocate for other women. One of the doctors who "diagnosed and treated" her was Andrew McFarland, who until 2023 was the namesake of the mental health institution in Springfield. The State of Illinois has since renamed the facility the Packard Mental Health Center.
Anyone is welcome to register for this event.  The last Thursday of the month is normally when WPLM Book Club meets, but this event will be in place of the June Book Club meeting. To request a copy of the book inspiring this event visit:  www.williamsvillelibrary.org.