Saint Mary's Hospital has played a vital role in the history of Greater Waterbury, providing nearly a century of service to the people of the Central Naugatuck Valley. Founded in 1907 by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Chambery, Saint Mary's has been a beacon of healing and hope for more than 90 years. The hospital's earliest benefactor was the Right Reverend Monsignor William J. Slocum, permanent rector of Immaculate Conception Church in Waterbury. He made an early contribution of $20,000 to get the project off the ground. A reminder of just how generous a gift that was for the time comes from the fact that the entire debt for Saint Mary's Hospital, after its first 22 months of operation, was just $111,000.

From its earliest days, Saint Mary's has enjoyed tremendous support in the community. More than 400 women formed the Ladies Aid Society before the hospital was even dedicated. A crowd in excess of 20,000 thronged Union Square in September 1907 to lay the Hospital cornerstone. Two years later, Saint Mary's was formally dedicated; the new health center boasted a staff of 14 including seven Sisters. Today, about 1,800 of your neighbors and friends are hard at work caring for you, your family and your community. The hospital continues to expand its network of services, forging alliances with other key health care providers, and exploring new ways to comfort and cure.