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| The JGH at 75: A Retrospective |
As you might expect, people are always coming to the Jewish General Hospital. But now, as you might not expect, the JGH is going to the people. To celebrate its 75th anniversary, an exhibit of archival photographs hits the road on June 29 after a week-long display at the hospital. The Jewish General Hospital at 75: A Retrospective highlights the milestones in the JGH’s history and explains the historical reasons for the hospital’s launch in 1934.
The exhibit of 12 posters, each containing a collage of enlarged photographs, is intended to appeal to viewers of all sorts, especially those who have never visited or been treated at the hospital. The accompanying bilingual text describes the JGH’s achievements, services and policy of providing “Care for all”, serving patients from all backgrounds from across Montreal and throughout Quebec. At the same time, the exhibit offers a revealing and often entertaining peek into the way medicine was practiced during the early decades of the 20th century.
"During this special anniversary year, the JGH has looked to its distinguished past in order to prepare for a bright future,” says Chief Librarian, Arlene Greenberg. “This exhibit is the hospital’s gift and tribute to you—the patients, staff, benefactors and volunteers who have made the JGH such a vital element in the life of Montreal."
The retrospective is largely chronological, explains Archives Assistant Shiri Alon. It traces the hospital’s history from its medical precursors, such as the Hebrew Maternity Hospital and the Herzl Dispensary (Canada’s first Jewish clinic) to the “Your Tribute Everlasting” fundraising campaign. Also included are the hospital’s groundbreaking and construction, the founding of the Women’s Auxiliary (now known as The JGH Auxiliary), clinical activities in the early years, the founding of the JGH School of Nursing, and the research and clinical initiatives. "The exciting aspect in putting this exhibit together is that the archival materials come right from the hospital,” says Ms. Alon. “We did not have to go far to research the hospital's past.“
Linda Lei, Archival Consultant, says, “From the forerunners of the JGH in the 1910s to the latest expansion of Radiation Oncology and the main entrance on Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, this collection of photographs is not only a reflection of the close, long-standing bond between the hospital and its community, but a look into the bright future. The JGH is proud of its legacy because it is a legacy of serving patients.”
“One of the most urgent needs of our city at the present time is additional hospital capacity, and your decision to keep the hospital, when built, entirely free from all racial, religious and sectarian distinctions, shows the true Montreal spirit of mutual race tolerance and inter-racial amity. You have my fullest endorsation.”
– Montreal mayor, Camillien Houde, in a letter to Allan Bronfman, founding President of the Jewish General Hospital, and Michael Hirsch, first Vice-President of the JGH, August 22, 1929.
Where to see the exhibit
JGH tour of exhibit The Jewish General Hospital at 75: A Retrospective
(March - July 2010)
The historical photo exhibit that toured Montreal last year to mark the JGH’s 75th anniversary is making the rounds again—but this time, in various locations within the hospital until the end of the year. As of March 1, The Jewish General Hospital at 75: A Retrospective will be located on the 2nd floor of Pavilion H (Herzl), and will appear next in Segal Cancer Centre.
The exhibit, which is available for display in departments throughout the JGH, can be booked through Linda Lei (extension 3277) or Shiri Alon (extension 2453) of the Health Sciences Library. The display consists of 12 foam-core panels, each measuring about 60 by 90 centimeters, which are mounted by Library staff who use removable sticky tabs to avoid damage to the walls.
You’ll find a full description of the exhibit in the Summer 2009 issue of Pulse at jgh.ca/pulse.
Schedule:
March Herzl, 2nd floor of Pav. H
April SCC, 7th floor of Pav. E
May Outside Dept. Dermatology facing Atrium, ground floor of Pav. G
June Inside Cafeteria, 1st floor, facing the main entrance of the JGH
July Hallway of Pav. D, at the level of the Légaré entrance
The Jewish General Hospital at 75: A Retrospective travelling throughout Montreal
(June - December 2009)
The Jewish General Hospital at 75: A Retrospective will travel throughout Montreal in libraries, a university and even “centre ice” at the old Forum. If you are interested in planning a group visit to one of these locations, please contact Linda Lei at 514-340-8222, ext. 3277.
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