After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal New York Morgue's Dark Secrets
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Aug 1, 2024 This time, Maddy Pelling and Anthony Delaney chat with Cat Byers, a Paris-based writer and historian diving into the overlooked history of the New York Morgue. They reveal haunting tales of unclaimed souls from the city's past, exploring the darker side of morgue practices and the controversial figure of Albert N. White. With a blend of tragedy and dark humor, Cat also discusses bizarre historical anecdotes, showcasing the surprising intersection of mortality, morality, and the human experience.
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New York Morgue Design
- The New York morgue, while modeled after Paris', differed due to its location at Bellevue Hospital.
- This made it part of a system connecting hospital, morgue, and mass graves.
Morgue Photography
- Unlike sentimental post-mortem photos, morgue photographs served a clinical purpose: identification.
- Photographer Oscar G. Mason's photos resembled both medical images and criminal mugshots.
Public Perception of Morgues
- Unlike Paris's morgue, New York's never became a popular attraction, possibly due to cultural, social, and religious differences.
- New Yorkers displayed greater interest in the morgue's photographs than viewing the bodies.