Research: Topics: Genealogy: Department of Corrections: Description: Institutional Records

C. INSTITUTIONAL RECORDS

GREEN HAVEN CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

Green Haven Correctional Facility is located at Stormville, Dutchess County. It is classified as a maximum security correctional facility for males 21 years of age and older. It is a transfer facility, receiving inmates by transfer from other facilities. It also serves as a detention center for males 16 years of age or older. Presently Green Haven confines a population of approximately 2,100 inmates.

Construction of the prison was approved by the Laws of 1938 (Chapter 523) to help relieve overcrowding at other facilities. It was ready for occupancy in 1942 but a decrease in the prison population during the Second World War delayed the opening. During 1942, it was leased to the federal government for use as a military disciplinary barracks. It was turned back to the State on January 1, 1948 and received its first inmates in October 1949. In 1969, Green Haven was designated to perform all legal executions in New York, although no execution has taken place since 1963. Green Haven has programs in academic and vocational training. Industries include upholstery and furniture manufacturing and auto repair and restoration.

14610-89. Inmate case files, 1930-1964 (bulk 1949-1956). R 10 cu. ft.

Approximately 450 case files relate to inmates confined at Green Haven Prison from its opening in 1949 to 1956. Also included is a small amount of earlier records relating to previous confinements of inmates subsequently transferred to Green Haven and later records relating to inmates after their release from Green Haven. The case files relate to inmates with Green Haven consecutive numbers between #7 and #5961. Because Green Haven has functioned as a transfer prison, these case files include records from institutions where inmates were previously confined.