Past Exhibitions
Saint John’s Health Center:
75 Years of Healing, Discovery and Service to the Community
2017
November 17 – January 27
In recognition of the 75th anniversary of Providence Saint John’s Health Center, this exhibition details the Health Center’s founding and development. It displays unique artifacts and photographs from the Center’s archive, which has been carefully tended by the Sisters of Charity since the 1940s. Highlights include the contents of time capsules, the first of which was interred behind the hospital’s first cornerstone in 1942, as well as original correspondence, photos and artifacts such as a Bing Crosby recording dedicated to Saint John’s.
In 1938, medical professionals from Santa Monica partnered with the Sisters of Charity to build a new hospital. Opening its doors during World War II in October 1942, Saint John’s initially faced challenges due to wartime shortages. The postwar baby boom in the mid-1940s, however, was a blessing to the young facility—earning it the nickname, “Maternity home by the sea.” As it expanded, the hospital consistently recruited leading doctors from a wide variety of specialties and backgrounds. As a nonprofit, fundraising was and continues to be essential for sustaining Saint John’s. Hollywood stars Irene Dunne and Jimmy Stewart, in particular, were integral in sharing news about the wonderful community at Saint John’s and in recruiting additional supporters.
Curators: Sara Crown with Annette Doss
Bill Beebe Collection (3.2.6131)
more images
Looking at plans for North Wing, 1948
Bill Beebe Collection (3.2.5746)
Aerial view of the main entrance to Saint John’s Heath Center, c1950s
Santa Monica History Museum Collection (36.2.335)
The fountain at the entrance of Saint John’s Health Center, 1989
Bill Beebe Collection (1998.1.1279)Thank you Exhibition sponsors!
Premier Night
Join us in launching our latest exhibition Saint John’s Health Center, on our Premier Night where the evening provides an advanced look at the exhibition and the opportunity to mingle with our Board Members, staff, other museum members and people of the community.
Enjoy the evening with complimentary beverages and great food from local Santa Monica restaurants!
DATE: November 16
TIME: 6pm – 8pm
Click to enlarge
