Miriam Hospital time capsule contents revealed

PROVIDENCE – On Thursday morning, June 19, the time capsule from the cornerstone of The Miriam Hospital’s second building was opened by Jeffrey G. Brier and family as more than 50 members of the Miriam staff and community looked on.

Brier’s grandfather Benjamin placed the original time capsule in The Miriam cornerstone some 75 years ago. Benjamin Brier was the hospital’s third president. The cornerstone was part of the original Jewish Orphanage of Rhode Island.

A delighted Brier, who served as chairman of The Miriam from 2004-2008, looked at each paper and summarized its contents to the crowd. Inside were copies of congratulatory letters from leaders in the Jewish and Rhode Island communities as well as copies of newspapers from the day that were still in excellent condition.

The capsule and cornerstone are being removed as part of The Miriam’s replacement project.

More photos and information in the July issue of Jewish Rhode Island.

FRAN OSTENDORF (fostendorf@jewishallianceri.org) is editor of Jewish Rhode Island.