Rolling Hills Asylum in East Bethany, NY opened in 1827 on 108 acres as the Genesee County Poorhouse- a safe haven for orphaned children, families, destitute elderly, physically handicapped, mentally unstable, morally corrupt, even criminals. These institutions were situated on the grounds of a poor farm on which able-bodied residents were required to work; such farms were common in the United States in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
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In 1938 the Genesse County Infirmary was added to the property. Come 1960’s the property became the Genesee County Nursing home. However, in 1974, due to a plethora of reason, such as lack of water and wheel chair ramps pitched to open stairwells, shut its doors for the last time as a county facility and the property sat empty for over 10 years.
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Several private owners attempted conversions of the property into a country museum, craft stores, and antiques mall, but the not until the current owner, Sharon Coyle, did the property become infamous for being haunted. Featured on shows such as Ghost Adventures, Ghost Asylum, Haunted, USA, and Legendary Locations, as well as used as film location for various movies, television shows and music videos, Rolling Hills Asylum is a hot bed of paranormal activity.
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When you visit the 60,000 square foot facility either to learn more about its rich history or to experience the ghostly activity, you help preserve a bit of Genesee County history and learn what institutional life was like prior to medical advancements and before the adoption of the Social Security program in the 1930s. Don’t be surprised if you see shadow people wandering the halls, hear children giggling or even the screaming lady! Rolling Hills Asylum is only available for visitors during certain hours and tickets are e
