Westerly Hospital has buried a time capsule in its Healing Garden to commemorate its 100th anniversary. The capsule, which is set to be opened in 2075 on the hospital’s 150th anniversary, contains messages from employees and leadership, as well as historical artifacts such as a gavel used by the first Board of Trustees, a copy of the history of Florence Nightingale’s cap donated to the hospital, a printed history from the hospital’s 25th anniversary in 1950, a commemorative glass for the centennial, and a challenge coin distributed to employees. Documents including annual reports, newsletters, photos, and videos have also been stored on a USB flash drive.
“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.”
The project was completed in partnership with students from the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) maritime sheet metal program at Westerly Education Center. The custom-designed capsule consists of an inner aluminum box filled with mementos and engraved names from employees and board members, encased within an outer steel container for protection.
“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 at CCRI. “CCRI is proud to give students hands-on opportunities to refine their metalworking skills, and while our projects usually focus on strength and design, this one challenged us to work with something new: time.”
Tom Pearce, director of Westerly Education Center, added: “The Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner is delighted to showcase the talent of students enrolled in Electric Boat's sheet metal trades class here at our Westerly Education Center. 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.”
This event follows other centennial celebrations at Westerly Hospital earlier this year. A historical timeline display titled “100 Years of Milestones” was unveiled in the main lobby during those events. The display outlines major moments since its founding on August 17, 1925—including its current affiliation with Yale New Haven Health.
Westerly Hospital is part of Yale New Haven Health and provides inpatient and outpatient services across southern Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut. It offers emergency care; medical; surgical; radiology; laboratory; rehabilitative services; heart and vascular care; interventional pain management; wound care; pulmonary rehabilitation; geriatric psychiatric care; comprehensive cancer care through Smilow Cancer Hospital Care Center; all inpatient rooms are private.
