Our Mission & Vision

The Springfield State Hospital Historical Society is a local nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the Martin Gross Complex at Springfield Hospital Center, formerly known as the “Men’s Group.” The organization seeks to transform this historic site into an immersive mental health museum and community space that educates the public on both the history of Springfield as an institution and the broader evolution of mental health care.

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Through thoughtful restoration and interpretation, the Society aims to revitalize the buildings and surrounding landscape into a welcoming and meaningful environment for all visitors. This space will serve not only as a center for historical learning, but also as a place for reflection, dialogue, and community engagement.

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In addition to preserving Springfield’s legacy, the Society will offer museums and historical organizations across the country—particularly those that have lost their state hospital sites to abandonment, demolition, or insensitive redevelopment—the opportunity to lease exhibit space within the Martin Gross Complex. This initiative will allow these institutions to share their own histories and artifacts, ensuring that their stories are preserved and accessible to the public. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to learn about Springfield while also exploring exhibits representing other state hospitals from across the United States.

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Once completed, the grounds of the complex will be open to the public from sunrise to sunset and will feature a variety of outdoor activities, including gardening, nature walks, trails, and other recreational and educational opportunities designed to promote wellness and community connection.