Overview of Rockhaven

Rockhaven Sanitarium was founded in 1923 by nurse Agnes Richards. This was a pioneering institution for mental health care specifically designed for women. Established in Glendale, California, the facility was unique for its time as it offered a nurturing and home-like environment in contrast to the often harsh and inhumane conditions of other asylums. Agnes Richards, who had a background in nursing and experience working in mental health facilities, was unsettled by the abusive treatment she witnessed in state hospitals. She envisioned a more compassionate approach to mental health.  Richards, a German immigrant, faced challenges not only due to her heritage but also because of the era’s limited opportunities for women in health care. However, she persevered, driven by her ambition and commitment to mental health treatment. At Rockhaven, she established a peaceful and supportive environment for women dealing with mental health issues. By hiring a female-only staff and providing access to gardens, fresh air, and a variety of activities. Richards created a therapeutic atmosphere that promoted recovery and well-being. Rockhaven was also notable for its celebrity patients, such as Marilyn Monroe’s mother, Gladys Monroe. Many were attracted to the institution's ethical and compassionate approach. After Richards passed management to her granddaughter in the 1960s, Rockhaven continued its legacy until it was eventually sold in 2001. Financial difficulties and changing health standards led to its closure in 2006. The historic site was purchased by the City of Glendale in 2008, with plans for preservation efforts and redevelopment. From 2016 to 2019, the City of Glendale’s plans to convert the historic Rockhaven Sanitarium into a shopping center faced opposition, ultimately leading to the project’s cancellation. In 2021, $8 million in state funding was secured to create a museum honoring women’s history and mental health care, but progress stalled, and the site fell into disrepair. Following a lawsuit by preservationists in 2023, the city settled in 2024, agreeing to make improvements by 2026 to protect the property and potentially open it to the public.