Salem Hospital celebrated its 150th anniversary during a ceremony held in its main lobby Tuesday.

Hospital leaders, employees, and local dignitaries – including Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo, State Senator Joan Lovely, and members of the Salem City Council – were among those in attendance for a speaking program that also featured historical banners, exhibits, and refreshments.

The hospital admitted its first patient on October 1, 1874 – a 28-year-old pregnant woman who had accidently fallen into a kettle of boiling water. Hospital records show she remained a patient for three months after suffering burns to her arms and abdomen. Months after she was released, she returned to the hospital and gave birth to a healthy baby.

“As we have since that first day, the team at Salem Hospital healed, comforted, and sent a patient home to loved ones. That is an incredible legacy,” said President and COO Roxanne Ruppel. “This story reminds us of our shared purpose and how important we are to the patients and families in this community.

The founding of the hospital dates to the late 19th century and wealthy Salem ship owner John Bertram. After falling ill and receiving private care in his home, Bertram recognized that few in the community could afford the healthcare he received. With the support of equally compassionate civic leaders, he secured a charter from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to create a hospital in Salem for those in need, and donated $25,000 and a brick mansion at 31 Charter Street to serve as the hospital’s first home. The hospital opened in 1874 with 12 beds and eventually grew to 76 beds. It stood for nearly 40 years, until it was destroyed in the Great Fire of Salem in 1914. Three years later, an expanded Salem Hospital opened with 135 beds on Highland Avenue. The hospital remains in that same location today, with 371 licensed beds.

“Over the years, we have continued to grow and change to meet the needs of our diverse and vibrant communities,” Ruppel said. “From enriching our emergency, obstetrical, medical, and surgical capabilities, to developing a complex network of outpatient resources, to operating a 120-bed acute care psychiatric facility, to partnering with community health centers to serve those most in need, we have continually focused on providing exceptional, comprehensive care to all who turn to us.”