SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
12 p.m. – 1 p.m. (ET)
"Harbor of Hope: Nurses of the Boston Floating Hospital"
Arlene Keeling, PhD, RN, FAAN

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In his 1899 annual report for the Boston Floating Hospital, Dr. Samuel Breck wrote: "Success or failure in the treatment of young babies depends largely on the minute to minute care of the conscientious nurse – without which the physicians’ work is of very little value."

The competent care provided by trained graduate nurses was key to the Floating Hospital’s success, and this presentation focuses on their central role, working with physicians on a hospital boat in Boston Harbor, to reduce infant mortality in the city during the period 1894-1927. Dr. Keeling's forthcoming book, Harbor of Hope: Nurses of the Boston Floating Hospital will be published in October by the University of Massachusetts Press. 

Dr. Arlene Keeling is the Centennial Distinguished Professor Emerita at the UVA School of Nursing, and Director Emerita of the Bjoring Center for Nursing Historical Inquiry. 

Maura Singleton
Center manager
Bjoring Center for Nursing Historical Inquiry
UVA School of Nursing

E: [email protected]
P: 434.924.0083

We hope you’ll join us!