As I mentioned, I’ve been receiving an abundance of e-mails and letters from people with a personal connection to the colony. Some want help in finding lost relatives, others want to know if I have more details on their ancestor, and many write simply to tell me their story. And again, I’m happy to share my research. Just send me an e-mail.

Dear Mr. Tayman,
I just finished reading your book and found it one of the most extraordinary and best written stories I have ever read. I thought you wrote this history with great sensitivity and thoroughness. I do have a question that I would appreciate your help if it is possible. My aunt, Alice Wickman, worked at the Colony as a teacher or a nurse for several years, I believe in the 1930’s, before she contracted tuberculosis and sent back to the mainland. My question is there some kind of registry of nonpatient workers and if so where is it located? I would like to inscribe her history in the book so our family does not forget her dedication. Again, congratulations on writing such a terrific book.

Dear Mr. Tayman,
Thank you for writing the book. It is of extreme interest to me because my aunt’s sister Mary Teresa, from New York, worked at the colony for about 30 years. In my meeting with her, which was only twice, and when I was very young, she told me only about the goodness of the people that lived there. She was a nurse and worked mostly with the girls in the girl’s orphanage. I had no idea of what the place was even about. Her name was Katherine, Aunt Kitty to her family. Thank you so very much.