Knit for Mental Fitness!

A Community Project Honoring The 50th Anniversary of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Supporting Mental Fitness Awareness

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, filmed at the Oregon State Hospital, the Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health is proud to announce Knit for Mental Fitness, a year-long community initiative supporting mental fitness awareness and benefiting both the Museum and Project ABLE. The Museum, along with the Salem Millstream Knitting Guild, and Wild Knits invites the public to join in knitting iconic “watch cap” style hats, inspired by the ones worn by Jack Nicholson’s character, Randall P. McMurphy, in the film.

The film’s exploration of mental fitness, resilience, and collective strength continues to resonate today. Through Knit for Mental Fitness, we are fostering these important conversations while supporting the Museum’s mission and the work of Project Able, a local organization dedicated to promoting mental fitness.

“We’re honored to partner with Wild Knits and the Salem Millstream Knitting Guild to raise awareness about mental fitness,” said Dennie Brooks, Board Chair at the Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health. “With the support of our generous sponsors, we’re making a lasting impact while bringing the community together.”

Knit for Mental Fitness Kits Available for Sale at the Museum

A Year-Long Community Effort

Knitting for Mental Fitness kicks off on March 10th, 2025, and will host monthly knit-ins at Wild Knits in Salem. Participants will knit hats to support both the Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health and Project Able. Knit kits will also be available for purchase to give to a knitter or make at home.

“During our recent monthly meeting, one of the Guild members who was knitting a watch cap shared that they were very supportive of the Knit for Mental Fitness and the fact that Project Able was also selected as a local organization that will also benefit as a donor recipient.” said Su Fennern, Salem Millstream Knitting Guild.

Christina Ballard, OSH Museum of Mental Health Administrator Coordinator added, “Knit for Mental Fitness is a wonderful way to bring our community together in support of mental wellness. Knitting fosters mindfulness, connection, and creativity—values that align with our mission to challenge stigma and promote mental fitness. This project allows us to honor the legacy of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest while making a tangible impact in our community.“

50 Years of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

In addition to Knit for Mental Fitness, the Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health features a special exhibit showcasing artifacts and images from the making of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. This exhibit offers visitors a deeper look at the film’s connection to the hospital’s history and its lasting impact on conversations about mental fitness.

“While One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest highlights McMurphy’s story, we also recognize the significance of Chief Bromden’s journey in the larger conversation about mental health,” said Dennie Brooks, Board Chair at the Museum. “This project allows us to continue that conversation while supporting mental fitness in our community.”

Knit for Mental Fitness Kit

How You Can Participate

Join us in this exciting project by knitting and donating hats, to the museum to sell in the gift shop, visiting the Museum, and sharing knit kits with friends and family. Knit-in events will take place on the 3rd Saturday of each month through 2025 at Wild Knits storefront, where you can create, connect, and contribute to the cause. Owner of Wild Knits, Holly Marshall, said, “Knitting and crochet can be such an important part of an individual’s mental health journey. Both are known to help with anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and grief recovery. Every stitch contains a piece of a person’s heart, and when a project is finished, it’s a tangible reminder of intangible progress.”

Thanks to generous contributions from Cascade Wool, Bryson Distributing (knitting needles), and Shaniko Wool Company, Knit for Mental Fitness is set to make a significant impact on local mental fitness initiatives.

Get Involved and Make an Impact

Every hat you knit and donate to the Museum, and every knitting kit purchased, supports the Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health and Project Able, helping to promote mental fitness and build community connections.

Download the Watch Cap Pattern Here.

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