In 1848, soon after Michigan achieved statehood, it recognized and accepted responsibility to care for those of its citizens who suffered from poorly understood illnesses that affect the mind. To provide refuge, Michigan constructed a system of Asylums throughout the state. Wm. Decker, MD, LFAPA discusses his book Northern Michigan Asylum: A History of the Traverse City State Hospital which is the story of the third refuge, Northern Michigan Asylum at Traverse City, which was opened in 1885. Expanded and renamed the Traverse City State Hospital and later, Traverse City Regional Psychiatric Hospital, it provided mental health care in northwest lower Michigan until well into the twentieth century. The hospital was closed in 1989. Dr. Decker is interviewed by Lori Puckett, Executive Director of the Grand Traverse Heritage Center. Additionally, Dr. Decker visits with Ray Minervini Sr. to learn about his work to preserve and develop the historic complex.