Timeline

Therapeutic Recreation
In these ancient societies, they attempted to
overcome mood disorders by participating in use
of music, songs, dancing and more to try and
promote a positive atmosphere and overall well-
being. Although they did not have all the scientific
answers to support why they were doing these
activities, they could feel the benefits for
themselves. Most ancient cultures used these
activities to implement good health and did not
even realize they were practicing therapeutic
recreation until later on.
Ancient Egyptian and
Greek civilization
1850’s
Hull House was one of the first
settlement homes to be created. It was
founded by Jane Addams who was a
activist, social worker, author, sociologist
and more. Initial programs provided
recreational programs for US citizens.
Hull House was created
1940’s-1950’s
The national council for therapeutic
recreation certification (NCTRC) was
founded and is still the international
organization for therapeutic recreation.
They are determined to protect people
obtaining the certificate for recreational
therapists. They are the final and revised
organization to provide protection
following CTRS, NTRS and ATRA.
NCTRC was
founded
2021

600 BC 1889 1986

Florence Nightingale
Proposal
Florence Nightingale proposed that
recreational activities and experiences can be
concluded that it improves the human
wellbeing and overall condition. She is
considered the “mother” of hospital
recreation of her time. She was the first
professional nurse after assisting in the
Crimean War where she helped care for
British military.
Beginning of profession, post
World War II
The profession of therapeutic recreation
began in the aftermath of World War II.
During the war it was being provided by
Red Cross workers to military members.
At the time it was considered “hospital
recreation”, until it later became known
as therapeutic recreation as a developing
paid profession.
Present day
Therapeutic recreation is a profession
that is growing more and more by the
day. It is becoming more recognized by
doctors and health providers as a tool to
use for mental, physical and emotional
health. It is now in multiple settings such
as hospitals, schools, nursing facilities,
sports programs, just to name a few.