Developed in close collaboration with Providence College, this large‑scale mural documents the layered history of the new SLAM-designed Ben Mondor Center for Nursing and Health Sciences through extensive research into archival imagery and historical news clippings. The mural traces the evolution of the site from an early 20th‑century hospital campus and nurse housing, to the College’s acquisition of the property, and ultimately to the construction of a new academic facility supporting a newly established nursing program. Three parallel narrative threads explore the history of the site, the growth of nursing and health sciences at Providence College, and the broader history of health care in Rhode Island, with particular emphasis on major epidemics and pandemics and the College’s response to these public health challenges.
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at-a-glanceThe Health and Histories mural spans a primary circulation zone within the Ben Mondor Center for Nursing and Health Sciences, establishing a comprehensive visual record of the site and the history of nursing and health sciences.
Developed through close collaboration with Providence College, the mural is informed by extensive research into archival photographs, institutional records, and historical news clippings.
This research was organized into three parallel narrative threads addressing the history of the site, the development of nursing and health sciences at Providence College, and the broader history of health care in Rhode Island. Major epidemics and pandemics are woven throughout all three, using historical headlines and imagery to highlight moments of public health crisis and the College’s response.
To support deeper engagement with the mural’s historical content, the project proposed a digital companion that extends the research beyond the physical installation. Providence College realized this approach through an online resource that allows users to explore the context behind individual images
https://nursing-health-sciences.providence.edu/mondor-mural/
Together, layered research, historical imagery, and large‑scale graphics position the mural as a lasting record of place, education, and public health at Providence College.
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