Join local historian Eleanor Dobson for a deep dive into the history of Bristol's Hopeworth Sanitarium, the namesake of the neighborhood we know today. 

This event is sponsored by the Bristol Historical & Preservation Society, the Lombard J. Pozzi Center for Historic Preservation Education, and the Rogers Free Library. This event is the second in the series, "The Pozzi Center Presents: A 2026 Bristol Building Lecture Series." Please register to secure a spot. 

Bristol's Hopeworth neighborhood is located just north of Mount Hope, mere minutes from all that Bristol has to offer. It boasts beautiful views of Mount Hope Bay and a tranquil atmosphere. These same qualities inspired Dr. Herman Canfield to establish the Hopeworth Sanitarium on these grounds in the 1880s.

Take a trip with us through time to unlock the forgotten story of Bristol's 19th century medical history. Meet Dr. Canfield and his family, explore the concept of a sanitarium (as opposed to an asylum), and examine turn of the century medical practices. Hopeworth promised the best modern medical technology of the time, recreational facilities, and perhaps most important of all, the utmost discretion. Though it was only open for a little over two decades, by piecing together patient stories, we will provide a small glimpse into the sanitarium that gave the Hopeworth neighborhood its name.

Learn more about Eleanor Dobson:

Eleanor is a historian, fiber artist, and researcher who is currently working as a consultant on a range of historical projects spanning Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Eleanor has spent most of her life volunteering and working in living history groups and historic museums. In the past, she has worked at Coggeshell Farm Museum, the Old Slater Mill Association, the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, and Mystic Seaport.