Craig Swenson

Rosewood Center Craig Swenson

The first institution of its kind in the state of Maryland, the Rosewood Center opened its doors in 1888, serving individuals with disabilities for over a century. Rosewood was born out of humanitarian ideals with a focus on education and training, but it was later plagued with overcrowding, staff shortages, and a number of scandals. By the mid-20th century, it had declined to a point where, for many residents, it offered little more than the most basic custodial functions. This book explores Rosewood's history, from its optimistic founding, later struggles, and reform attempts to its ultimate closure in 2009. It also traces the larger story of the treatment and care of the disabled in the United States and the deinstitutionalization movement that is still being debated to this day. Today, a handful of extremely dilapidated structures scattered across a hillside in Owings Mills, Maryland, are all that remain of the Rosewood Center.