LANSING, MI – University of Michigan Health-Sparrow today celebrated the grand opening of its Heritage Gallery, a space that commemorates the hospital’s 128-year history of providing compassionate health care in Mid-Michigan.

Located in the first-floor lobby of UM Health-Sparrow Lansing, the gallery pays tribute to Sparrow’s founding in 1896 when a group of determined women opened Lansing’s first hospital, and progresses through more than a century of health care innovation and service.

“This gallery showcases the dedication and resilience of everyone who has been part of UM Health-Sparrow’s journey,” said Margaret Dimond, U-M Health regional president. “We’re proud of our heritage and excited to continue building on it as we advance health care for our patients. Our roots here are deep, and our commitment is stronger than ever.”

The Heritage Gallery will be open to the public, offering a timeline of historical milestones and artifacts that showcase the evolution of health care in Mid-Michigan.

 “UM Health-Sparrow has been a source of hope and healing through some of the most challenging times in history,” said longtime UM Health-Sparrow physician Michael Clark, M.D. “From the 1918 flu pandemic to COVID-19, this hospital has stood resilient, always putting patients and their families first. The Heritage Gallery will inspire us as we navigate the future of health care.”

Generous contributions from community members across Mid-Michigan, including the family of James and Judith Herbert, made the Heritage Gallery possible.

“We’re honored to support this project, which celebrates the rich history of a hospital that has meant so much to so many,” said Judith Herbert. “We believe in the mission and the people of UM Health-Sparrow, and we’re thrilled to play a role in preserving this legacy for generations to come.”

To learn more about how you can make a lasting impact on the care of Mid-Michigan, visit UofMHealthSparrow.org/Foundation.

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University of Michigan Health-Sparrow is Mid-Michigan’s premier health care organization and includes hospitals in Lansing, Carson City, Charlotte, Ionia and St. Johns, as well as UM Health-Sparrow Specialty Hospital, Care Network, the Michigan Athletic Club, and AL!VE. UM Health-Sparrow is part of University of Michigan Health. Through the dedication of our 10,000 team members, UM Health-Sparrow pursues a vision to be nationally recognized as a leader in quality and patient experience. For more information, visit UofMHealthSparrow.org.