In a heartfelt ceremony attended by more than 50 people, Otsego Memorial Hospital (OMH) opened a time capsule believed to have been sealed in 1973, offering a rare glimpse into the hospital’s storied past. The event, held on June 26, 2025, brought together current and former staff, physicians, board members, volunteers, and representatives from the local historical society.
The honor of opening the capsule was given to Marie Prebenda, a dedicated EKG Technician who has served OMH for an impressive 45 years. The capsule was opened just outside the construction area where the time capsule was found during demolition, creating a powerful connection between the hospital’s history and its future.
Inside the time capsule were treasures from decades past: a film reel, photographs from the hospital’s groundbreaking, newspaper clippings from the 1950s through the 1970s, original hospital planning documents, fundraising materials, brochures, and a letter from the hospital president at the time. With the help of the historical society, OMH believes the capsule was placed in 1973, marking over 50 years of community-centered care.
“This moment is not just about looking back,” said Rob Richardson, Otsego Memorial Hospital President. “It’s about honoring the legacy of those who built this institution and reaffirming our commitment to the future of healthcare in our region.”
That future is already taking shape. OMH is currently undergoing a transformative $33.6 million expansion and renovation project aimed at enhancing inpatient capabilities. The expansion, which is already underway, includes significant upgrades to the Birthing Center—expanding Labor, Delivery, Recovery, and Postpartum rooms from four to seven, adding triage and antepartum rooms, and introducing a dedicated C-section surgical suite with a recovery room. Inpatient departments will also see major improvements, including an increase in ICU beds from five to ten, and the addition of private and isolation rooms.
As OMH transitions into a regional hospital, this milestone underscores Munson Healthcare’s commitment to delivering exceptional patient care and experience. The time capsule opening served as a reminder of how far the hospital has come—and how much further it plans to go.