Westerly Hospital leaders and staff recently buried a time capsule containing a variety of artifacts as part of the hospital’s 100th anniversary.
Westerly Hospital recently buried a time capsule in its Healing Garden to honor the hospital’s 100th anniversary and preserve its legacy for future generations.
“This time capsule is a symbol of our enduring commitment to the people of Westerly and the surrounding region,” said hospital President Rich Lisitano. “As we look back on a century of compassionate care, we also look forward to the future with optimism and dedication. We hope that when this capsule is opened in 2075, it will reflect the strength of our community and the progress of health care.”
Inside the capsule are messages from hospital employees and leadership to those who will open it in 2075, Westerly Hospital’s 150th anniversary. Other historical artifacts include a gavel used by the first Westerly Hospital Board of Trustees; a copy of the history of Florence Nightingale’s cap which was donated to the hospital; a history of the hospital printed in 1950 – the 25th anniversary; a glass commemorating the hospital’s 100th anniversary; and a challenge coin distributed to employees recognizing the centennial. Many documents such as annual reports, employee newsletters, photos and videos have been included on a computer flash drive.
This initiative follows Westerly Hospital’s centennial celebration this past summer, which unveiled a historical timeline in the hospital’s main lobby.
Westerly Hospital partnered with the Community College of Rhode Island’s (CCRI) maritime sheet metal program, taught at the Westerly Education Center, to design and construct the custom capsule – a collaboration that celebrates both the hospital’s century of care and the craftsmanship of local students.
“Partnering with Westerly Hospital to design and build this time capsule at the Westerly Education Center was an exciting and meaningful project – made even more special knowing it will stay in our own community,” said Christopher Maher, maritime program coordinator, Workforce Development, CCRI. “While our projects usually focus on strength and design, this one challenged us to work with something new: time.”
Tom Pearce, director of the Westerly Education Center, said it was a delight to “showcase the talent of students enrolled in Electric Boat’s sheet metal trades class. In addition to sharpening their new skills, the students built a time capsule that will illuminate for future generations how vital Westerly Hospital is for the community.”
