Skip To Main Content
Civil War Medicine and the Rochester City Hospital
The story of medical treatment of Civil War Soldiers and how it touched the lives of local soldiers and four early surgeons of Rochester City Hospital.
Outstanding Rochester Nurses
Rochester's nurses have made an impact on the nursing profession from the earliest days
Where Had All the Nurses Gone?
When the Spanish Influenza epidemic invaded Rochester in the fall of 1918, the community was paralyzed. Military demands of World War I had steadily drained the area of trained nurses. Actions taken by health care leaders show how fully the community had come to depend on professional nurses in the few decades since the 1880 opening of the city’s first nurse training school at Rochester City Hospital.
Women Pioneers in Rochester Healthcare
The history of healthcare in Rochester is linked to the devotion of its women to the community. Here a few biographical sketches of the women who contributed to our healthcare.
Nurse Cadet Badge
United States Cadet Nurse Corps 
When the United States entered World War II, it became clear that there was a dramatic shortage of nurses in the country. Nursing schools throughout the United States were sent telegrams announcing the formation of the Cadet Nurse Corps and were invited to join.
The Nursing Practice Act
Little is remembered of the part Rochester, New York played in the professionalization and reform of nursing. Rochester had been the center of nursing reform since the late 1800's helping form the New York State Nurses Association, the first such organization in the country.
John M. Lee
The Legacy of 179 Lake Avenue 
The unique history of the Lee Private Hospital and its later service as the Lake Avenue Hospital
Myers Hospital
History of Rochester Area Hospitals
In the past 160 years, hospitals have changed from small cottage hospitals, to specialized institutions, general hospitals and to today's multi-hospital corporations. This exhibit takes a look at the origins of the major hospitals in Monroe and Wayne County.  
Help Preserve History
Please help us preserve this important history by joining the Friends of the Archives membership society.
We are here to inform and serve our community
Sign up for health info updates