A History of Rhode Island Hospital

Rhode Island Hospital was built through the generosity of the community, beginning in 1857 with a bequest by Moses Brown Ives to establish a fund for a hospital in Rhode Island. On October 1, 1868, the founders of Rhode Island Hospital gathered on the hospital grounds to dedicate the new hospital, founded to serve the citizens of our state as its name indicated.

That generosity upon which the hospital was created has continued throughout the years to support major campaigns. Through philanthropy and ongoing community support, Rhode Island Hospital has continued to expand and improve to support its mission to be at the forefront of medicine.

Today's Rhode Island Hospital honors the memory of our founders and we believe it is all they imagined and more. Throughout its rich history, Rhode Island Hospital has created a legacy of milestones that have had enormous impact on the community. Today it is a national leader in research, a major teaching hospital and is home to some of the nation's finest doctors. Through the years, we have remained true to the vision of our founders; to provide care to the region's most seriously ill and injured with the latest medical technology available.

Collectively, the community has supported many special campaigns, including drives to fund the $8.75 million, 10-story hospital which opened in 1955; the innovative $10 million Ambulatory Care Center built in the 1970s; and the world-class Hasbro Children's Hospital, for which the community raised $24 million.