Frederick’s National Museum of Civil War Medicine provides fascinating insight into the challenging medical, surgical and nursing practices throughout the American Civil War. Explore a comprehensive collection of artifacts and displays in this historic and educational institution and hear stories of Civil War-era medical practitioners.
The museum is housed within a grand three-story 19th-century building. Enter the museum and begin your journey through five different immersive exhibits. These galleries attempt to recreate the difficult conditions faced by medical practitioners between 1861 and 1865. Learn about life in an army camp and find out how the wounded were evacuated from the battlefront.
Make your way around the recreated field hospital and field dressing station. You’ll see the last known surviving Civil War surgeon’s tent, as well as surgical kits and equipment used for veterinary medicine. Continue to the exhibit that focuses on military hospital wards. Peruse the collections of original artifacts, equipment and tools. Discover some of the personal sacrifices that were made, as well as the fascinating innovations that continue to be used by modern practitioners today.
Learn more about Civil War medicine at the Pry House Field Hospital Museum, located at the Antietam National Battlefield. The Bettie Delaplaine Research Center presents a deeper insight into Civil War medicine for serious students of history.
The National Museum of Civil War Medicine is located in Downtown Frederick’s historic center. It is a short walk from the city’s railway station and is easy to access on foot from other downtown attractions. Use the metered parking available on adjacent streets. Alternatively, park at the very large Carroll Creek Parking Deck directly behind the museum building. Museum tours are available for groups numbering more than 10. The museum is open daily, except select holidays. Admission is discounted for students, seniors and military. Children under the age of 10 enter for free.