Browse news articles or find information on upcoming events related to Mass General's history.
03/08/2013: Padihershef unwrapped
Some answers as to how the MGH's Egyptian mummy Padihershef lived and died are now being explored through a conservation project - which included a full body X-ray and CT scan.
11/09/2012: In Memoriam: Robert E. Scully, MD
Robert E. Scully, MD, a giant in the field of pathology and a beloved member of the MGH family for more than 55 years, died Oct. 30 at the age of 91
10/26/2012: First MGH infection control nurse honored
In honor of Carole DeMille, RN, its first official nurse, the Infection Control Unit hosted a celebration of her life Oct. 15 in the Ether Dome and dedicated its conference room on Bulfinch 3 in her name.
10/05/2012: NEJM editor visits the MGH
To commemorate the bicentennial of the New England Journal of Medicine and the history it shares with the MGH, Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Drazen, MD, presented “Two Hundred Years of Medical Advances” Sept. 20 at the Medical Grand Rounds in the O’Keeffe Auditorium.
10/05/2012: MGH bids farewell to Warren Library space
It was a bittersweet moment as MGHers bid farewell to the Warren Library during a Sept. 27 celebration honoring its 171-year history.
10/05/2012: Two decades of transforming families
Families helped by the MGH Vincent Obstetrics & Gynecology Fertility Clinic gathered Sept. 22 in the Bulfinch Tents to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Unit.
06/29/2012: Cemetery tour keeps history alive
Each spring Elliott Miller, MD, brings together a new generation of physicians to learn about their predecessors, a unique occasion in that the students are the teachers – each is tasked with making a presentation – and their classroom is the Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge.
06/29/2012: Endecott Pear Tree event celebrates health care and history
In addition to caring for thousands of patients each year, the Mass General/North Shore Center for Outpatient Care is the caretaker of the Endecott Pear Tree – the oldest living fruit tree in America – named for the first governor of Massachusetts.
06/15/2012: In General 06.15.12
In General awards and honors
06/15/2012: A new chapter for the Warren Library
In September, the Warren Library will transition from a physical space in the Bulfinch Basement to a mobile source of paperback books, magazines and other materials operated by Volunteer Services.
04/20/2012: Museum opens to public
The Russell Museum is now open weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm.
04/20/2012: In Memoriam: C. Miller Fisher, MD
C. Miller Fisher, MD, founder of the MGH Stroke Service and widely regarded as the father of stroke neurology, died April 14 at the age of 98.
04/13/2012: Museum set to open
The Paul S. Russell, MD Museum of Medical History and Innovation opens April 17.
12/22/2011: Paul S. Russell, MD Museum unveiled
The new Paul S. Russell, MD Museum, opening to the public in April, celebrates medical history and innovation at Massachusetts General Hospital.
09/23/2011: Gala celebrates 200 years -- and counting
From the presentation of a videotaped message from President Barack Obama to recognition of the Bicentennial Scholars, the Sept. 16 Bicentennial Gala celebrated the MGH's achievements over the past two centuries while highlighting its vision for the future.
08/05/2011: Chronicling two centuries
IN ADDITION TO the hospitalwide history, Something in the Ether: A Bicentennial History of Massachusetts General Hospital, 1811-2011, by father-daughter duo Webster and Martha Bull, several departmental history books have been or will be published this year in honor of the bicentennial.
07/22/2011: Dedicating the Paul S. Russell, MD Museum of Medical History and Innovation
To officially dedicate and name the Paul S. Russell, MD Museum of Medical History and Innovation, Peter L. Slavin, MD, MGH president, and David Torchiana, MD, chairman and CEO of the MGPO, hosted a July 8 luncheon in honor of Russell.
07/01/2011: Lunder Dedication Week
With the completion of the Lunder Building – a 530,000-square-foot, 14-floor facility featuring the latest in medical technology and architectural design – the MGH is once again leading the way in patient care.
06/24/2011: A blast from the past
MGHers traveled back in time to 1811 during this year’s Employee Summer Picnic hosted by MGH President Peter L. Slavin, MD.
06/17/2011: MGH celebrates Bicentennial Scholars
At a June 10 event celebrating the hospital's 200 years of commitment to the community, the MGH introduced 26 local high school students who have been selected as MGH Bicentennial Scholars.
06/17/2011: Experience "The Wonder of Lunder"
Exclusively for MGHers to experience prior to the building's opening, Lunder Dedication Week June 20 through 26 offers employees the opportunity to see firsthand the hospital's newest facility.
05/20/2011: MGH Chapel marks 70 years
THE MGH CHAPEL, located in the Ellison Building, reached a milestone last month, as it celebrated its 70th anniversary.
05/06/2011: Bicentennial corner 05.06.11
As part of the MGH bicentennial celebration, the Paul S. Russell, MD, Museum of Medical History and Innovation will host "Changing Campus: A History of the MGH," a presentation by David Hanitchak, director of Planning and Construction.
04/22/2011: Paul S. Russell, MD, Museum of Medical History and Innovation
Construction of the Paul S. Russell, MD, Museum of Medical History and Innovation reached a high point April 15 when the museum's namesake, construction workers and guests participated in a "topping out" ceremony at the construction site on the corner of Cambridge and North Grove streets.
04/22/2011: Danvers tree stands tall for 400 years
The Endecott Pear Tree, located on the grounds of the Mass General/North Shore Center for Outpatient Care in Danvers, is known as the oldest living fruit tree in America.
03/31/2011: History Bound: The Mass General and its past in print
Throughout its 200 years, the Mass General has been commemorated and recorded in a series of books that celebrate the hospital's rich and storied history
03/25/2011: Hot off the presses
MGH Hotline 03.25.11 THE QUEUE steadily stretched along the hallway outside the MGH Gift and Flower Shop on Ellison 1 last Tuesday.
03/18/2011: Mass General publishes book outlining 200 years of medical care and progress
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) today celebrates the launch of its new history book, Something in the Ether: A Bicentennial History of Massachusetts General Hospital, 1811-2011, by local author Webster Bull and his daughter, Martha Bull. The 527-page hardcover volume commemorates 200 years of medicine, capturing the spirit of the nation’s third oldest general hospital as conveyed through work of some of the most captivating, colorful and inspiring characters in health care, past and present.
03/04/2011: The MGH, McLean and public officials renew charter at the State House
MGH Hotline 04.03.11 The venerable Massachusetts State House, designed by the same Charles Bulfinch who designed the MGH Bulfinch Building, has been the meeting place of leaders, decision-makers, and other influential men and women with compassion, intelligence and vision since 1798.
03/04/2011: Feb. 25, 2011
THE OPPORTUNITY only comes along once – the bicentennial of the date when the MGH officially came into being.
03/04/2011: Updating an 1800s menu
LOBSTER CORN CHOWDER, roasted native trout with sage brown butter, Johnny cakes, Indian pudding and wassail are not typical lunch fare served at the MGH eateries.
03/04/2011: History book co-author discusses capturing the MGH spirit
THE HISTORIC ETHER DOME offered the perfect backdrop for the first in a series of informative presentations to be hosted this year by the Paul S. Russell, MD, Museum of Medical History and Innovation.
02/22/2011: Celebrating the past, looking forward to the future
Leadership from the MGH and McLean Hospital will join with government officials Feb. 25 at the State House for a ceremonial renewal of the charter that established the two institutions exactly 200 years ago
02/17/2011: The Untold Story: URM Pioneers at MGH
View a slideshow, "The Untold Story: URM Pioneers at MGH," presented at the Multicultural Affairs Office's Bicentennial Gala and Alumni Reunion Feb. 11 and 12.
02/11/2011: Bicentennial corner 02.11.11
MGH Hotline 02.11.11 As part of the MGH bicentennial celebration, on Feb. 25, the Paul S. Russell, MD, Museum of Medical History and Innovation will host a presentation by Webster Bull, co-author of "Something in the Ether: A History of Massachusetts General Hospital 1811 to 2011."
02/11/2011: Paul S. Russell, MD, Museum highlights evolution of MGH medical innovation
MGH Hotline 02.11.11 As a highlight to the MGH bicentennial year, the hospital will open the Paul S. Russell, MD, Museum of Medical History and Innovation, named in honor of longtime MGH physician Paul S. Russell, MD, a pioneer in the field of transplant surgery and chair of the MGH History Committee.
02/04/2011: Bicentennial corner 02.04.11
MGH Hotline 02.04.11 SURPRISINGLY, THIS PHOTO was not taken this past week.
01/14/2011: Bicentennial corner 01.14.11
MGH Hotline 01.14.11 WHILE THE FIRST medical patient at the MGH was a saddler, the first surgical patient was an Irish sailor.
01/03/2011: MGH celebrates first baby of bicentennial
Mass General welcomes Mary Meredith Jones as the first baby born during the hospital's 200th year as an institution.
12/23/2010: MGH celebrates two centuries
MGH Hotline 12.24.10 When the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 1, the MGH community will ring in not only the new year, but also the start of the yearlong celebration of the 200th anniversary of the hospital’s founding.
12/14/2010: Construction begins on museum of medical history and innovation
MGH breaks ground to launch construction of new museum of medical history and innovation.
11/19/2010: MGH museum of medical innovation
MGH Hotline 11.19.10 MGH museum of medical innovation
10/22/2010: Bicentennial Corner: John Collins Warren, MD
MGH Hotline 10.22.10 John Collins Warren, MD, co-founder of the MGH and surgeon at the first successful public demonstration of surgical anesthesia on Oct. 16, 1846, also was a collector of anatomical specimens.
09/03/2010: Bicentennial Corner
MGH Hotline 09.03.10 The first MGH patient, a 30-year-old male saddler suffering from the effects of tertiary syphilis, was admitted 189 years ago on Sept. 3, 1821.
08/20/2010: MGH Bicentennial Intranet Toolkit
MGH Hotline 8.20.10 ALL THE TOOLS any MGHer needs to "bicentennialize" his or her MGH documents, presentations and giveaways are now available in the MGH Bicentennial Intranet Toolkit at http://intranet.massgeneral.org/bicentennial
08/18/2010: MGH history book to commemorate bicentennial
MGH Hotline 8.20.10 AS PART OF the MGH's bicentennial celebrations, a commemorative book covering the hospital's unique beginnings and illustrious history will be published in 2011.
08/18/2010: A lasting tribute to two centuries of generosity
MGH Hotline 8.20.10 DURING THE BICENTENNIAL YEAR, the MGH will erect a donor wall to honor and thank the people behind generous gifts that have transformed the hospital over the last 200 years.
08/13/2010: Bicentennial Corner 8.13.10
MGH Hotline 8.13.10 DURING THE month of August, the MGH marks two notable anniversary dates.
06/18/2010: MGH Urology celebrates 100 years
MGH Hotline 06.18.10 On the eve of the MGH bicentennial, one MGH department proudly celebrates its centennial.
07/31/2009: MGH Bicentennial plans to bring history to life
MGH Hotline 07.31.09 In preparation for the MGH bicentennial in 2011, the MGH Bicentennial Steering Committee is planning several theatrical vignettes that will be unveiled throughout the 200th anniversary year.
02/20/2009: Bicentennial corner: MGH' s legacy
MGH Hotline 2.20.09 The MGH will celebrate its bicentennial in 2011, marking 200 years of compassionate care giving, health care innovation, groundbreaking research and a deep involvement with local communities. As bicentennial planners plot out a number of engaging ways to celebrate the hospital's historic 200 years, an exciting opportunity has arisen for MGH staff and employees to participate.
09/01/2011: MGH Fund Update Summer 2011
View this publication
The MGH Fund Update is a publication for supporters of the MGH Fund, Mass General's fundamental resource for providing life-saving patient care, advancing biomedical research, and creating healthcare solutions in our community and around the globe.
03/13/2013: "Climate Change and Public Health: How Can Health Care Respond to Global Warming."
The Paul S. Russell, MD Museum of Medical History and Innovation invites you to a free lecture.
01/23/2013: The Morphing of MGH: Architecture Reflects Changing Patterns of Care
The Paul S. Russell, MD Museum of Medical History and Innovation Lecture Series Presents "The Morphing of MGH: Architecture Reflects Changing Patterns of Care"
11/13/2012: Russell Museum to host Veterans Day exhibits and programs
In honor of Veterans Day, the Paul S. Russell, MD Museum of Medical History and Innovation will offer special exhibits and programs about MGH military veterans, past and present.
02/25/2011: Blood Drive
Commemorate the re-signing of the original Mass General charter on February 25, 2011 by donating blood on a Mass General bloodmobile at the Massachusetts State House and McLean Hospital.
10/16/2010: Ether Day
Mass General's annual Ether Day celebration honors hospital employees for their years of service. Employees who have worked for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 years are recognized at the Ether Day ceremony held in the Bulfinch Tent.
Turning Science Into Medicine
Mass General has the largest hospital-based research program in the United States. Explore some of our current research projects and recent milestones in cancer, AIDS, genetics, transplantation, schizophrenia and basic research.
Mass General on the Front Lines
Over the course of its history, Mass General has had the privilege of providing care for members of the military during wartime, and war has inevitably influenced and shaped Mass General and the care it provides.
W. Gerald Austen, MD
W. Gerald Austen, MD, Chief of Surgery, from 1969 to 1997, talks about getting started at Mass General.
W. Gerald Austen, MD
W. Gerald Austen, MD, Chief of Surgery, from 1969 to 1997, talks about his residency.
W. Gerald Austen, MD
W. Gerald Austen, MD, Chief of Surgery, from 1969 to 1997, talks about Dr. Churchill.
W. Gerald Austen, MD
W. Gerald Austen, MD, Chief of Surgery, from 1969 to 1997, talks about his tenure as Chief of Surgery at Mass General.
W. Gerald Austen, MD
W. Gerald Austen, MD, Chief of Surgery, from 1969 to 1997, talks about changes at Mass General.
W. Gerald Austen, MD
W. Gerald Austen, MD, Chief of Surgery, from 1969 to 1997, talks about the creation of the Massachussetts General Physicians Organization (MGPO).
W. Gerald Austen, MD
W. Gerald Austen, MD, Chief of Surgery, from 1969 to 1997, talks about developing the Open Heart Bypass Machine at Mass General.
W. Gerald Austen, MD
W. Gerald Austen, MD, Chief of Surgery, from 1969 to 1997, talks about the creation of Partners HealthCare.
W. Gerald Austen, MD
W. Gerald Austen, MD, Chief of Surgery, from 1969 to 1997, looks forward to future of Mass General.
Jane Darrah Claflin
Jane Darrah Claflin, Trustee from 1937 to 1979, talks about fundraising at Mass General.
Jane Darrah Claflin
Jane Darrah Claflin, Trustee from 1937 to 1979, talks about the beginning at Mass General.
Jane Darrah Claflin
Jane Darrah Claflin, Trustee from 1937 to 1979, talks about the changes at Mass General.
Jane Darrah Claflin
Jane Darrah Claflin, Trustee from 1937 to 1979, talks about the 1960s and 1970s at Mass General.
Jane Darrah Claflin
Jane Darrah Claflin, Trustee from 1937 to 1979, talks about the nurses at Mass General.
Jane Darrah Claflin
Jane Darrah Claflin, Trustee from 1937 to 1979, talks about women in medicine at Mass General.
Jane Darrah Claflin
Jane Darrah Claflin, Trustee from 1937 to 1979, talks about the Heart of Mass General.
John Lawrence
John Lawrence, Trustee from 1947 to 1978 and Honorary Trustee from 1978 to 2007 discusses the 150th Anniversary at Mass General.
John Lawrence
John Lawrence, Trustee from 1947 to 1978 and Honorary Trustee from 1978 to 2007 discusses fundraising Mass General.
John Lawrence
John Lawrence, Trustee from 1947 to 1978 and Honorary Trustee from 1978 to 2007 discusses the Board of Trustees at Mass General.
John D. Stoeckle, MD
John D. Stoeckle, MD, Honorary Physician at Mass General Hospital, discusses how he got started in Medicine.
John D. Stoeckle, MD
John D. Stoeckle, MD, Honorary Physician at Mass General Hospital, discusses his early days as a resident.
John D. Stoeckle, MD
John D. Stoeckle, MD, Honorary Physician at Mass General Hospital, discusses the changing medical/social structure.
John D. Stoeckle, MD
John D. Stoeckle, MD, Honorary Physician at Mass General Hospital, discusses group practice development in Primary Care.
John D. Stoeckle, MD
John D. Stoeckle, MD, Honorary Physician at Mass General Hospital, discusses community medicine.
John D. Stoeckle, MD
John D. Stoeckle, MD, Honorary Physician at Mass General Hospital, discusses the importance of understanding patients.
Paul S. Russell, MD
Paul S. Russell, MD, Chief of Surgery from 1962 to 1990, discusses getting started in surgery.
Paul S. Russell, MD
Paul S. Russell, MD, Chief of Surgery from 1962 to 1990, discusses the beginning of kidney transplantation.
Paul S. Russell, MD
Paul S. Russell, MD, Chief of Surgery from 1962 to 1990, discusses his role of Chief at Mass General.
Paul S. Russell, MD
Paul S. Russell, MD, Chief of Surgery from 1962 to 1990, discusses Mass General in the 1940s.
Paul S. Russell, MD
Paul S. Russell, MD, Chief of Surgery from 1962 to 1990, discusses Mass General's impact and changes over time.
Paul S. Russell, MD
Paul S. Russell, MD, Chief of Surgery from 1962 to 1990, discusses the future of Mass General.
David Crockett
David Crockett, Director of Resources and Development from 1972-1974, discusses the 150th Anniversary at Mass General.
David Crockett
David Crockett, Director of Resources and Development from 1972-1974, discusses fundraising at Mass General.
David Crockett
David Crockett, Director of Resources and Development from 1972-1974, discusses research ethics at Mass General.
David Crockett
David Crockett, Director of Resources and Development from 1972-1974, discusses the strengths of Mass General.
Lawrence E. Martin
Lawrence E. Martin, Senior Vice President from 1986 to 1994, explains how he got started in hospital finance.
Lawrence E. Martin
Lawrence E. Martin, Senior Vice President from 1986 to 1994, discusses the expansion and building of Mass General and Charlestown.
Lawrence E. Martin
Lawrence E. Martin, Senior Vice President from 1986 to 1994, discusses the payment system changes at Mass General.
Lawrence E. Martin
Lawrence E. Martin, Senior Vice President from 1986 to 1994, talks about perspectives on hospital leaders.
Lawrence E. Martin
Lawrence E. Martin, Senior Vice President from 1986 to 1994, talks about the creation of intensive care units.
Creating the Ether Dome Painting
Discover how Mass General physicians worked with painters Warren and Lucia Prosperi to immortalize the groundbreaking surgery in the famous Ether Dome painting.
John Potts, MD
John Potts, MD, Chief of General Medicine from 1981 to 1996 discusses research and ethic at Mass General.
Celebrating 200 Years: 1811 - 2011
Since 1811, people have counted on Mass General for answers, innovations and medical leadership. As our third century dawns, we remain ready to serve.
Bicentennial history slideshow
A collection of early images from the first century of medicine at the MGH.
President Kennedy Reflects on the 150th Anniversary of Massachusetts General Hospital
In January of 1961 President John F. Kennedy spoke with the Today Show's Dave Garroway about the 150th Anniversary of Mass General Hospital.
President Obama Wishes Massachusetts General Hospital a Happy 200th Birthday
On Friday, September 16, 2011, Massachusetts General Hospital opened its bicentennial celebration with a special message from President Barack Obama. More than 1,000 staff, friends and honored guests filled the ballroom at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center to commemorate the hospital's 200th anniversary. Personal remarks by keynote speaker and former U.S. Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger, included reflections on his experience as an MGH patient over the past several decades.
