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2005: Divestment at Wesleyan

“Two Years of Protest: Divestment at Wesleyan University, 1988-1990” by Quinn Hechtkopf From 1978 until 1991, Wesleyan University students protested vigorously against the school’s investment in businesses operating in South Africa. This campaign, known as “divestment”, was part of a nation-wide university campaign to stop universities from investing in the racist Apartheid regime of South … Read more

2005: Policing Middletown

“Policing A New Middletown: Updating The Force At The Turn of The 20th Century” by Nickolas Garin The turn of the 20th century marked an important period for both the Middletown police force and the city itself.  As immigrants came to Middletown, the city increased both in size and ethnic diversity.  During this period the […]

2005: 1969 Election

“The 1969 Middletown Election; a Case Study for the Importance of Majority Party Unity” by Max Rose A detailed case study of the 1969 municipal election that underscores the importance of local party unity for the Democratic Party in Middletown, Connecticut, especially when a non-incumbent is leading their slate. click here to download report   […]

2008: Middletown and Mental Illness

“Middletown and Mental Illness in the Aftermath of Deinstitutionalization” by William Tucker A consideration of the reactions to Jessica Short’s murder provides a springboard for an understanding of the impact that the deinstitutionalization of Connecticut Valley Hospital had on Middletown between 1963 and 1990. click here to download report   Also listed under ‘HIST 171: […]

BIOL 223: Clinical Experience and Life Science

A classroom discussion of biological, chemical, and psychological aspects of mental illness as well as weekly volunteering at Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH). Lectures will be offered by CVH staff. The class will be subdivided into four working groups of four students each. A mix of biology and other science majors is desired for each working […]

2005: Middletown Landfill

In the fall of 2005, the Environmental Geochemistry Laboratory class (E&ES 281), at the request of the Jonah Center, conducted a preliminary study of methane production at the city landfill. Methane (CH4) is a greenhouse gas with about 20 times the heat trapping capability of CO2.  It lasts for about ten years in the atmosphere […]

2007: Lake Beseck

Lake Beseck is a body of water in Middlefield, CT. It was formed in 1846 when a local stream was dammed. Now, about a mile long and quarter of a mile wide, it has become a popular location for fishing and vacationing. Houses line its edges and it is owned by the state Department of Environmental Protection. […]

2010: Gilead

A tender and affecting portrait of the clients and staff of Gilead Community Services, an innovative Middletown agency that provides vital services to people in the mental health community. Gilead by Emily Brackman and Sena Ito   Also listed under ‘FILM 150: Documentary Advocacy’ … 2010: Fighting Discrimination 2010: Lawns 2010: Miller/Bridge 2010: Soldier’s Story […]

2010: Miller/Bridge

A hard look at the aborted attempt to relocate residents of the Miller St./Bridge St. neighborhood in Middletown. Miller/Bridge by Nora Christiani and Sarah Leitson     Also listed under ‘FILM 150: Documentary Advocacy’ … 2010: Fighting Discrimination 2010: Gilead 2010: Lawns 2010: Soldier’s Story FILM 150: Documentary Advocacy

1998: River Valley Services

“Living in the Community: Clients’ Perceptions of Quality of Life after Discharge under the Community Based Initiative” for River Valley Services by Abbie Goldberg, Abigail Kinnebrew, and David Schleifer   Three researchers from Wesleyan University worked with River Valley Services (RVS), a mental health service provider operated by the Connecticut State Department of Mental Health […]