Our story began in 1936 with the vision of Alfred I. duPont to do whatever it takes to prevent and treat disabling childhood conditions.
What started as a modest orthopedic hospital in Wilmington, Delaware, has grown into one of the nation’s leading children’s health systems.
Alfred I. duPont left behind an estate valued at $40 million, and a last will and testament with specific instructions for the creation of a charitable corporation primarily devoted to providing health care services to children.
The Alfred I. duPont Charitable Trust was established in 1936 to carry out his wishes, including support for the preservation and public enjoyment of the Nemours Estate and the care and treatment of disabled children.
The Alfred I. duPont Institute opens in Wilmington, Delaware, under the medical direction of Alfred R. Shands, MD. The first health care institution from The Nemours Foundation, it quickly becomes world-renowned for clinical care and research in the field of pediatric orthopedics.
The Nemours Board of Directors expanded the Institute’s mission to encompass more pediatric diseases, and the first phase of the Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware in Wilmington is completed.
Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville (formerly Nemours Children’s Clinic), a comprehensive pediatric subspecialty care facility, is opened in Jacksonville, Florida.
Nemours Children’s Health locations open in Orlando and Pensacola, Florida. The offices are still part of Nemours today. With a growing system to meet the needs of children, they’re part of our network of Nemours Children’s Health locations.
Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida in Orlando opens, making Nemours Children’s the only pediatric health system in the nation with two freestanding children’s hospitals.
Mr. duPont’s legacy of compassion has lived on for more than 70 years through the care and services provided to children and families at Nemours Children’s. Today, our unique system of pediatric care, research and education is redefining the role that a health system plays in supporting families and communities well beyond medicine.