The Audience
The audience of the historical marker of the Central State Hospital would be friends and families of patients who may have been admitted to the hospital. Although this hospital has been up and running for decades, there is not much information regarding the treatment and changes of the hospital. Most of the records are kept private to protect the patients. Families are able to read this historical marker and get a good idea of what occurred here in the late 1800s and early to mid-1900s. There is always a start to any research and reading a brief summary can push individuals in the right direction.
In addition to friends and family, the secondary audience would be anyone that lives in the area of Petersburg who might have an interest in the history of their hometown. This hospital was the first facility for African Americans in the country and there is a variety of information that may be unknown. The historical marker is placed at the intersection of West Washington Street and 7th Avenue which is very close to the location of the hospital. Individuals who are passing by the area and analyzing the historical marker would be a part of the audience as well. This exhibit is a great way to introduce what is officially studied about the hospital. Many people find an interest in “Asylums” and hospitals because of the mysteries that occur there. Photographs and data tables offer a look in the past but the majority of the detailed information relies on people's imaginations. There has not been any journals or writing of patients in the hospital recorded just yet. This historical marker is not specific to an exclusive audience, but rather to anyone who is intrigued by the historic institution.