Memorial Hermann History

Memorial Hermann Healthcare System's roots extend almost 100 years into Houston history, even though the system as it is today was formed in the late 1990s when the Memorial and Hermann systems joined.

Both Memorial and Hermann trace their beginnings to the early 1900s. Women and men with visions of caring for the sick and needy gave birth to new institutions in Houston that would ultimately form one of the largest not-for-profit health care systems in the United States.

The founding fathers of Memorial and Hermann hospitals, both visionaries, created a legacy of caring that thrives today.

The Rev. Dennis Pevoto spearheaded the 1907 purchase of an 18-bed sanitarium in downtown Houston. His goal was to build a hospital open to all, regardless of religion, race or ability to pay. As superintendent of then-Baptist Sanitorium, Pevoto shepherded its growth and mission, building what would ultimately become Memorial Hospital System into a 200-bed facility before he retired.

When George H. Hermann died in 1914, most of his $2.6 million estate was earmarked to build and maintain a hospital for the poor and sick of Houston. Hermann Hospital accepted its first patient in 1925 and started its school of nursing that same year.

Both Pevoto and Hermann believed that everyone should have access to the best possible medical care and be able to face illness with dignity and courage. Both also believed that living, not dying, should be a hospital's focus.

Take a look back at our proud history. Our tour is organized by decade and institution as applicable. See where we came from and how we evolved.