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Wednesday, April 13, 2011

UMBC- Memorial photography exhibit opens tomorrow

Stanley Burns will be speaking tomorrow at 4 PM at Catonsville- Albin O
Kuhn Gallery and Library University of Maryland Baltimore County at the
opening of his memorial photography exhibit.

Sleeping Beauties: Memorial Photographs from the Burns Collection

One of the defining images in this exhibition is the tintype of a father
lovingly holding an uncomfortable looking child. The father is
well-dressed and has an air of invincibility that is undermined only by
outsized, swollen fingers. His one hand rests demonstratively on his
knee and the other in a claw-like position distended beyond his son's
clothing rather than affectionately clasping the child. The image does
not cry out that either father or son is deceased, but the father's
fingers are so unnatural that one soon realizes that he is dead. This
portrait, likely the only one ever made of the two together, emphasizes
familial relationship and love as motivations behind the image. In
varying degrees, love, relationships, and grieving more than death, are
the central characteristics of this exhibition.

Another characteristic of the show, also as represented by the portrait
of the father and son, is the changing technology of photography. The
portrait is a tintype, a relatively affordable process in 1875 when the
image was made. Represented in the exhibition are various tintypes, but
also a whole spectrum of photographic processes from the 1840s to the
2000s, including daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, albumen prints, cartes de
visite, cabinet cards, silver gelatin prints, and digitally generated
permanent pigment prints. The exhibition is a veritable history of
photography as seen through memorial photographs. Revealed is that the
look of death has not changed over time, only the way that it is
represented.

The show is organized by themes, including "Adults," "Children,"
"Sleep," "Family and Rituals," "Remembrances," "Images with Images,"
"Eyes Open," and "Decorative Displays." Each section is sequenced
historically to tell a story about the topic from the earliest to the
latest images. The father and son portrait, for example, is in the
section labeled "Adults," because it is the father who is deceased. The
section on "Children" tugs at one's heartstrings so much perhaps because
the images show cute, vulnerable little ones full of human potential not
to be realized. The "Sleep" section shows attempts to make the dead
look like they just happen to be napping. (In the nineteenth century,
death was frequently described as "the long last sleep.") Images of the
spent bodies of children with their eyes closed promote the illusion of
sleep as the children are laid out so naturally in carriages or on beds.


Additional sequences include the "Family and Rituals" section which
shows immediate and extended family members posed with the deceased,
usually in their coffins. These images, of course, would be the last
photographs of the family all together. The "Remembrances" section
includes memorial poem cabinet cards (sometimes with photographs on
them) and memorial ceramic photographs often used on memorial markers.
The Images with Images" section shows photographs with images of a
deceased one in them, or photographs with images associated with someone
who is deceased. This section will fascinate iconologist's, because the
images surrounding those of the dead often comment on and have
especially telling relationships to the dead. The "Eyes Open" section
highlights images that attempt to make the dead look natural and
somewhat as they did in life. Finally, there is the "Decorative
Displays" section which shows photographs of memorial centerpieces that
represent a way of setting off an image or expressing a reverence for
the deceased. Some decorative displays images are commercial, such as
the one for Abraham Lincoln. The imagery was intended for public
consumption for viewing in one's parlor. Others, such as "Tower of
Silence," were intended to be sold to tourists as they visited monuments
to the dead. Finally there were those with the words "Pater," or
"Sister" which were for personal and family purposes.

Photographs have three lives. The first life is the immediate purpose
for which the image was made. In the case of memorial photographs, the
image provides a record of the deceased, a way to express love and
relationship for that person, and to serve as part of the grieving
process. The second life of a photograph is as recent past nostalgia.
Friends and family can look back over time and remember the deceased as
well as good times that were had together. The third (and perhaps the
most important life) is as a communication over the generations. Long
after there is no one alive who remembers the deceased, memorial images
communicate to viewers that the person lived and was regarded highly
enough in life that people wished to remember them after death. Also
memorial images teach succeeding generations that all humanity is
related to each other and are the same in death. Perhaps most of all,
memorial photographs confer upon the dead a kind of immortality. Long
after they are gone, the deceased continue to live on in images. This
exhibition is about all of these things.


Tom Beck
Chief Curator

Walt Whitman's Civil War Soldiers at the NMHM


Walt Whitman

Image Courtesy of the Library of Congress


On April 12th, the 150th anniversay of the start of the Civil War, the National Archives announced the discovery of almost 3,000 pieces written by the poet Walt Whiman. Whitman, "a journalist, poet and essayist...[was]...perhaps best known for capturing the haunted pageantry of the Civil War in his work 'Drum-Taps'." You can read news of the discovery online at the Washington Post.


But what became of Whitman's wounded boys, the young soldiers he captured in Specimen Days? For some, their stories are documented online at: "Walt Whitman’s Soldiers: A National Museum of Health and Medicine Online Exhibit." Anatomical specimens and medical documentation of patients that Whitman immortalized remain in the collection of the NMHM, such as that of Private Oscar Cunningham:

“…the noblest specimen of a young western man…” On May 2nd, 1863, during the battle of Chancellorsville, Private Cunningham, 82nd Ohio, received a gunshot wound to the right thigh that resulted in a compound fracture of the thigh. The bullet was extracted at Armory Square Hospital on June 15th. Extensive abscesses formed following the procedure, and on May 2nd, 1864, Cunningham’s leg was amputated. Although Bliss had hope for a successful outcome when he submitted the specimen to the Army Medical Museum on May 5th, Cunningham died on June 5th, 1864. Whitman, who cared for Cunningham, described the young man in a letter to his mother. "I have just left Oscar Cunningham, the Ohio boy—he is in a dying condition—there is no hope for him—it would draw tears from the hardest heart to look at him--his is all wasted away to a skeleton, & looks like some one fifty years old—you remember I told you a year ago, when he was first brought in, I thought him the noblest specimen of a young western man I had seen, a real giant in size, & always with a smile on his face—O what a change, he has long been very irritable, to every one but me, & his frame is all wasted away." Cunningham died on June 4, 1864, one month after Bliss had hoped that Cunningham might survive his amputation. Cunningham was one of the first soldiers to be buried in the new Arlington National Cemetery."

Letter of the Day: April 13

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 09427

War Department
Office of the Surgeon General,
Army Medical Museum and Library,
Washington.

April 13, 1906

Dr. D. J. Healy, Anatomist,
Army Medical Museum.

Sir:

Referring to your verbal report of this afternoon that Landsberg was observed sleeping in the Museum Hall, you are requested to submit a report in writing, stating the time at which the observation was made, how long the sleeping continued, and any circumstances bearing upon it.

Very respectfully,
James Carroll
1st Lieut., Asst. Surgeon, U.S.A.
Curator, Army Medical Museum.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Letter of the Day: April 12

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 05157

War Department,
Surgeon General's Office,
U.S.Army Medical Museum and Library,
Corner of 7th and B Streets.,
Washington, April 12, 1901

Dr. Cecil French,
718 12th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.

Sir:

I am directed by the Surgeon General to express his thanks for the portions of the left side of the pelvis, of the small intestine and of the internal genitals, showing an inguinal hernia, received from you on the 11th inst. The specimen has been added to the collection with a properly inscribed card.

Respectfully,
AF Woodhull
Col. Asst. Surg.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Luke Jerrem, Artist

http://www.lukejerram.com/projects/glass_microbiology

I have seen alot of these now as models, paintings, drawings, all ugly evoking only disgust, certainly none as beautiful to look at as these.
click the link for more.

Letter of the Day: April 11

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 05863

Repair of Skylight

Surgeon General's Office,
U.S.Army Medical Museum and Library,
Corner of 7th and B Streets SW.,
Washington, April 11, 1902

To the Surgeon General,
U.S. Army

General:

I have the honor to report that two panes of glass of the skylight of the photograph gallery of this building, need replacing . The panes, not being perfectly straight (always more or less concave), seem to rest on the four corners with result, that with every heavy windstorm the corners break off. Thus it has been necessary to have the glass repaired every year since the occupation of this building. I would therefore recommend that the glass of the entire skylight (18 x 12 ft.) be replaced with straight heavy ribbed glass, a sample of which, furnished by C.E. Hodgkin, 918 Seventh St., N.W. is herewith submitted. I understand that the cost of this change would not exceed $40.00.

Very respectfully,
Calvin DeWitt
Col. & Asst. Surgeon General, U.S.A.
In charge of Museum & Library Division

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Letter of the Day: April 10

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 02183

Fort Barrancas Fla.
April 10th 1897.

Major Walter Reed
Surgeon U.S.A.

Dear Doctor,

I forward by todays mail [a] piece of a small warty tumor from tongue of Tucker[?] Clifford. It is situated in center of dorsum of anterior surface of tongue + not not raised above [the] surface. It looks to me suspicious.

Will you be kind enought to examine + give me your opinion.

Very truly yours,
W.C. Gorgas.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Museum volunteer Ed Beeman's obituary in Post

Edward A. Beeman, internist

Letter of the Day: April 9

JWS/caw

9 April 1962

Mr. W.O. Miller
Exhibit Manager
The Upjohn Company
Kalamazoo, Michigan

Dear Mr. Miller:

Last year the Medical Museum had approximately 700,000 visitors and it is anticipated that the figure will reach the million mark by 1963.

We would like to have the opportunity of exhibiting The Cell during 1963. Do you have a photograph and descriptive material on this exhibit?

It is regretted that The “Brain” is too complicated to exhibit here.

Sincerely yours,

John W. Sheridan
Colonel MSC
Curator, Medical Museum

Friday, April 8, 2011

CANCELLED: Medical Museum's Poetry Month Program: Sat., 4/9, 12:30-1:30pm

CANCELLED! Due to unforeseen circumstances, this program is cancelled!

Program will be rescheduled – stay tuned for details!

Questions? Call (202) 782-2673

Medical Museum’s Poetry Month Celebration!

Animal_Magnetism.jpg

CANCELLED -- When: Saturday, April 9, 2011, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.



What: Join the Museum and poet/author Kim Roberts in celebration of National Poetry Month. Roberts will read from her new book of poetry, "Animal Magnetism," which features three poems about the Museum’s collections. After the reading, James Curley, Historical Collections Specialist, will provide a special glimpse of the Museum’s collections. (Museum exhibits are closed, as of 4/3/2011.) A book signing will follow the program. Copies of “Animal Magnetism” will be available for purchase.







Questions? Call (202) 782-2673 or email nmhminfo@afip.osd.mil.





National Museum of Health and Medicine

6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Building 54, Washington, D.C. 20307

http://www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum --(202) 782-2672 – nmhminfo@afip.osd.mil

NMHM on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MedicalMuseum

NMHM on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MedicalMuseum



Letter of the Day: April 8

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 03041

April 8, 1898

Mr. Richard Sylvester
Chief Clerk, Met. Police Dept.
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

I have the pleasure of acknowledging the receipt, through Dr. D.S. Lamb, of the bullet extracted from the body of Taulces [?] and other bullets removed from the bodies of suicides, and to thank you for these contributions to the museum collections.


Very respectfully,
Walter Reed
Surgeon, U.S. Army,
Curator

Thursday, April 7, 2011

April 9th Poetry event cancelled

CANCELLED! An Afternoon of Poetry ...
Saturday, April 9 · 12:30pm - 1:30pm

CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES! We apologize for the
inconvenience and regret that we have to make this change in our
programming. Please stay tuned for a future date when this program may
be held.

Hairball awareness

So now you're aware

Letter of the Day: April 7

Faria, Macias & Co.
Commisionn [sic] Merchants,
58, 60 & 62 Broadway & 21 New St.

New York April 7, 1897.

Librarian
Surgeon General's Office, U.S. Army,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

Having been requested by my friend Mr. Faria owner of an anthopological [sic] collections of South American Indian objects, about 200000 articles, to negotiate with influential parties to dispose of the same under certain conditions; the specimens cannot be duplicated being all provided with certificate of authority, believing therefore it would be a great acquisition for any of the scientific Institutions of this country. The owners purpose is to make a donation of the same with the sole condition that he would be appointed Director, with a small yearly compensation; he has the capacity and knowledge, having devoted some years to the study of anthropology. If you believe something could be done I beg of you to let me have your valuable advice. Thanking you in advance I remain

Yours respectfully,
(Signed) A Macias.

Please address your answer to
Mr. A.J. Macias
102 West 90th Street
New York.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Letter of the Day: April 6

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 02181


Fort Riley, Kansas,
April 6th., 1897


Major Walter Reed, U.S.A.,
Washington, D.C.


Dear Doctor:


I send you today, by express, a pathological specimen, which I would be very glad to have examined microscopically. It is from the wife of Capt. Anderson, and Artillery Officer of this garrison - She reached this Post from Ft. Adams, Rhode Island about the middle of December last, and I was called to see her. I found a very much enlarged Spleen, reaching almost, if not quite, down to the crest of the Ilium. I learned, that the case had been diagnosed and treated as one of Malarial disease, "Ague-cake", but an examination of the blood made here, at no time showed the presence of the parasite in any of it's forms - There were, however, a large number of Eosinophile cells present - I turned the case over to one of my Assistants, who resided close by her, and did not see her again until about 20th. of March last, when I found the abdomen greatly enlarged, the patient markedly emaciated, and confined to bed. An examination of the blood at this time showed an entire absence of the Eosinophiles, and a great excess of polynuclear leucocytes.


Mrs Anderson was 48 years of age.- Day before yesterday a laparotomy was done with no satisfactory results, and this morning she died.-


I give you the forgoing brief narrative of facts, for what they may be worth, in assisting you to arrived at a satisfactory conclusion, as to the nature of the neoplastic growth.


Very truly yours
J.L. Powell
Capt. etc.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Edinburgh Stereoscopic Anatomy set donated





In spite of the Museum’s closing to move, the collections are still growing. Milton and Daniel Klein donated this 1929 set of Edinburgh Stereoscopic Anatomy which complements some earlier sets that we have. 

Letter of the Day: April 5

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 02166

Subject.

War Department,
Surgeon General's Office,
Washington, April 5, 1897

Major Walter Reed,
Surgeon, U.S. Army,
Secretary, Army Medical School,

My dear Reed,

I received on Saturday, the examination papers of the last class in "Duties of Medical Officers." After consulting the Surgeon General on the subject it seems unnecessary to keep all these examination papers as they are quite bulky and not likely to be needed. The Surgeon general suggests, however, that it is important that we should keep on hand a file of the questions given out in each branch session. Will you kindly give attention to this matter and get up, if practicable, a set of examination papers for each session to file with the records of the School. I send you down a copy of my questions given at the last session.

Lest I may not see you soon, I want to say when I handed my report of the School to the General, April 1st, he was very complimentary in his expressions of satisfaction at the work of the Faculty, stating that he thought the course was better than that given by any Army Medical School. His praise was intended of course not for my own ears, so that I want my colleagues and of the faculty to know it.

Very truly yours,
C.H. Alden

Monday, April 4, 2011

Museum's closed poster




Make Your Plans Now: Medical Museum's Poetry Month Program: Sat., 4/9, 12:30-1:30pm


Medical Museum’s Poetry Month Celebration!

An Afternoon of Poetry with Kim Roberts, author of "Animal Magnetism"

When: Saturday, April 9, 2011, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

What: Join the Museum and poet/author Kim Roberts in celebration of National Poetry Month. Roberts will read from her new book of poetry, "Animal Magnetism," which features three poems about the Museum’s collections. After the reading, James Curley, Historical Collections Specialist, will provide a special glimpse of the Museum’s collections. (Museum exhibits are closed, as of 4/3/2011.) A book signing will follow the program. Copies of “Animal Magnetism” will be available for purchase.

Cost: Free!

Where: Russell Auditorium, NMHM in Bldg 54, on the Walter Reed campus <http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/about/directions.html>

Questions? Call (202) 782-2673 or email nmhminfo@afip.osd.mil.



National Museum of Health and Medicine

6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Building 54, Washington, D.C. 20307

http://www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum --(202) 782-2672 – nmhminfo@afip.osd.mil

NMHM on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MedicalMuseum

NMHM on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MedicalMuseum



Letter of the Day: April 4

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 03802

War Department,
Surgeon General's Office,
U.S. Army medical Museum and Library,
Corner of 7th and B Streets, S.W.

Washington, April 4, 1899

Dr. J.W. Grant,
Danville Avenue
Lancaster, Ky.

Dear Sir:

Referring to your letter of the 29th ult., in regard to an old and worn out set of artificial teeth, I would state that I cannot make you an offer for the same, without previous inspection. In case, however, you should desire to present it to this Museum, it will be placed in the Museum collection, properly labeled, and credit given you as donor. It may be sent directed to the Army Medical Museum, by Adams express, which has authority to receive it and collect charges here.

Very respectfully,
Dallas Bache
Col. & Asst. Surgeon General, U.S.A.
In charge of Museum & Library Division

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Medical Museum to Close Exhibits After Today

MEDICAL MUSEUM TO CLOSE EXHIBITS ON APRIL 3, 2011
TO PREPARE FOR MOVE TO SILVER SPRING, MD



February 28, 2011, Washington, D.C.: As part of the relocation of the National Museum of Health and Medicine from its present location to its new home in Silver Spring, Maryland, exhibits at the present location will phase out over the coming weeks. The last day that the public may visit any exhibits at the Museum in its present location will be on Sunday, April 3, 2011. All of the Museum’s exhibits are expected to remain available to visitors through April 3, 2011.



The Museum is open to the public daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (including weekends and holidays), on the campus at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Admission and parking are free. Adults must present government-issued photo identification to gain entry to the Walter Reed campus, and vehicles are subject to search. Learn more about planning a visit to the Museum on the campus of Walter Reed at http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/planning/index.html.



NMHM will complete its relocation to the Forest Glen Annex during the summer of 2011 and looks forward to welcoming the public at its new location in the fall. Stay tuned to the Museum’s website, Facebook page and e-newsletter for details.



During this transition period, while the Museum is closed to the public at its present location on the Walter Reed campus, Museum public programs staff will be working to continue their activities at other locations in the Silver Spring, Md., area. Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for details.



Questions should be directed to Tim Clarke, NMHM Deputy Director for Communications, (202) 782-2672.

About the National Museum of Health and Medicine

  • The National Museum of Health and Medicine, established in 1862, inspires interest in and promotes the understanding of medicine—past, present, and future—with a special emphasis on tri-service American military medicine. As a National Historic Landmark recognized for its ongoing value to the health of the military and to the nation, the Museum identifies, collects, and preserves important and unique resources to support a broad agenda of innovative exhibits, educational programs, and scientific, historical, and medical research. The Museum is presently located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. Visit www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum or call (202) 782-2200 for more information.

 

Letter of the Day: April 3

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 02161

April 3, 1897

Lieut. Francis A. Winter,
Asst. Surgeon, U.S. Army,
Hotel Raleigh,
Washington, D.C.

Sir: I am directed by the President of the Board of Officers convened for your examination to inform you that your examination having been completed, your attendance is no longer necessary.

Very respectfully,
Walter Reed
Major and Surgeon, U.S. Army, Recorder.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Medical Museum to Close Exhibits in 1 Day

MEDICAL MUSEUM TO CLOSE EXHIBITS ON APRIL 3, 2011
TO PREPARE FOR MOVE TO SILVER SPRING, MD



February 28, 2011, Washington, D.C.: As part of the relocation of the National Museum of Health and Medicine from its present location to its new home in Silver Spring, Maryland, exhibits at the present location will phase out over the coming weeks. The last day that the public may visit any exhibits at the Museum in its present location will be on Sunday, April 3, 2011. All of the Museum’s exhibits are expected to remain available to visitors through April 3, 2011.



The Museum is open to the public daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (including weekends and holidays), on the campus at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Admission and parking are free. Adults must present government-issued photo identification to gain entry to the Walter Reed campus, and vehicles are subject to search. Learn more about planning a visit to the Museum on the campus of Walter Reed at http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/planning/index.html.



NMHM will complete its relocation to the Forest Glen Annex during the summer of 2011 and looks forward to welcoming the public at its new location in the fall. Stay tuned to the Museum’s website, Facebook page and e-newsletter for details.



During this transition period, while the Museum is closed to the public at its present location on the Walter Reed campus, Museum public programs staff will be working to continue their activities at other locations in the Silver Spring, Md., area. Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for details.



Questions should be directed to Tim Clarke, NMHM Deputy Director for Communications, (202) 782-2672.

About the National Museum of Health and Medicine

  • The National Museum of Health and Medicine, established in 1862, inspires interest in and promotes the understanding of medicine—past, present, and future—with a special emphasis on tri-service American military medicine. As a National Historic Landmark recognized for its ongoing value to the health of the military and to the nation, the Museum identifies, collects, and preserves important and unique resources to support a broad agenda of innovative exhibits, educational programs, and scientific, historical, and medical research. The Museum is presently located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. Visit www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum or call (202) 782-2200 for more information.

 

Letter of the Day: April 2

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 03022

April 2, 1898.

Mr. Frank J. Otis
Mescalera Agency New Mexico.

Dear Sir:

I have the pleasure of acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 28th ult., in regard to the chick with two heads. Such monstrosities are not at all rare and have no commercial value, and as the Museum has already quite a collection of them, I beg to say that the specimen offered by you is declined with thanks.

Very respectfully,
Walter Reed
Surgeon, U.S. Army Curator.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Today's WRAMC's Stripe article on Museum

Thursday, March 31, 2011
National Museum of Health and Medicine to close exhibits Sunday; prepares for move to Silver Spring
http://www.dcmilitary.com/stories/033111/stripe_28317.shtml

Medical Museum to Close Exhibits in 2 Days

MEDICAL MUSEUM TO CLOSE EXHIBITS ON APRIL 3, 2011
TO PREPARE FOR MOVE TO SILVER SPRING, MD



February 28, 2011, Washington, D.C.: As part of the relocation of the National Museum of Health and Medicine from its present location to its new home in Silver Spring, Maryland, exhibits at the present location will phase out over the coming weeks. The last day that the public may visit any exhibits at the Museum in its present location will be on Sunday, April 3, 2011. All of the Museum’s exhibits are expected to remain available to visitors through April 3, 2011.



The Museum is open to the public daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (including weekends and holidays), on the campus at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Admission and parking are free. Adults must present government-issued photo identification to gain entry to the Walter Reed campus, and vehicles are subject to search. Learn more about planning a visit to the Museum on the campus of Walter Reed at http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/planning/index.html.



NMHM will complete its relocation to the Forest Glen Annex during the summer of 2011 and looks forward to welcoming the public at its new location in the fall. Stay tuned to the Museum’s website, Facebook page and e-newsletter for details.



During this transition period, while the Museum is closed to the public at its present location on the Walter Reed campus, Museum public programs staff will be working to continue their activities at other locations in the Silver Spring, Md., area. Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for details.



Questions should be directed to Tim Clarke, NMHM Deputy Director for Communications, (202) 782-2672.

About the National Museum of Health and Medicine

  • The National Museum of Health and Medicine, established in 1862, inspires interest in and promotes the understanding of medicine—past, present, and future—with a special emphasis on tri-service American military medicine. As a National Historic Landmark recognized for its ongoing value to the health of the military and to the nation, the Museum identifies, collects, and preserves important and unique resources to support a broad agenda of innovative exhibits, educational programs, and scientific, historical, and medical research. The Museum is presently located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. Visit www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum or call (202) 782-2200 for more information.

 

Letter of the Day: April 1

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 07412

War Department,
Office of the Surgeon General,
Army Medical Museum and Library,
Washington April 1, 1904.

To the Surgeon General, U.S. Army

Sir:

I have the honor to report that the work of the Museum as well as that of the Library is up to date. 200 journals have been sent to the Government Printing Office for binding during the month of March, 1904.

Very respectfully,
C.L. Heizmann Col.
Asst. Surgeon General, U.S.A.
In charge of Museum & Library Division.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Medical Museum to Close Exhibits in 3 Days

MEDICAL MUSEUM TO CLOSE EXHIBITS ON APRIL 3, 2011
TO PREPARE FOR MOVE TO SILVER SPRING, MD



February 28, 2011, Washington, D.C.: As part of the relocation of the National Museum of Health and Medicine from its present location to its new home in Silver Spring, Maryland, exhibits at the present location will phase out over the coming weeks. The last day that the public may visit any exhibits at the Museum in its present location will be on Sunday, April 3, 2011. All of the Museum’s exhibits are expected to remain available to visitors through April 3, 2011.



The Museum is open to the public daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (including weekends and holidays), on the campus at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Admission and parking are free. Adults must present government-issued photo identification to gain entry to the Walter Reed campus, and vehicles are subject to search. Learn more about planning a visit to the Museum on the campus of Walter Reed at http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/planning/index.html.



NMHM will complete its relocation to the Forest Glen Annex during the summer of 2011 and looks forward to welcoming the public at its new location in the fall. Stay tuned to the Museum’s website, Facebook page and e-newsletter for details.



During this transition period, while the Museum is closed to the public at its present location on the Walter Reed campus, Museum public programs staff will be working to continue their activities at other locations in the Silver Spring, Md., area. Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for details.



Questions should be directed to Tim Clarke, NMHM Deputy Director for Communications, (202) 782-2672.

About the National Museum of Health and Medicine

  • The National Museum of Health and Medicine, established in 1862, inspires interest in and promotes the understanding of medicine—past, present, and future—with a special emphasis on tri-service American military medicine. As a National Historic Landmark recognized for its ongoing value to the health of the military and to the nation, the Museum identifies, collects, and preserves important and unique resources to support a broad agenda of innovative exhibits, educational programs, and scientific, historical, and medical research. The Museum is presently located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. Visit www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum or call (202) 782-2200 for more information.

 

Letter of the Day: March 31

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 06625

Surgeon General's Office
U.S. Army Medical Museum and Library
Corner 7th and B Streets SW
Washington, March 31, 1903

Dr. John Moras
140 Eighty-second St., West
New York, N.Y.

Dear Sir:

Your letter of the 29th inst. to Major Walter Reed, was received at this Museum to-day, and I regret to inform you that Dr. Reed died of appendicitis on November 23, 1902. I enclose a copy of the memorial pamphlet issued by the Medical Association of the District of Columbia.

The investigations of the American Yellow Fever Commission, seven articles in all, were published in different Journals, and I am only able to send you reprints of four of these. The other three articles appear as follows:

"Experimental Yellow Fever" in American Medicine, Phila., July 6, 1901.

"The Etiology of Yellow Fever. A supplemental Note" in American Medicine. February 22, 1902.

"Recent Researches concerning the Etiology, Propagation and Prevention of Yellow Fever by the U.S. Army Commission" in Journal of Hygiene, Vol. II No. 2, 1st April, 1902.

Very respectfully,
James Carroll
1st Lieut. Asst. Surgeon, U.S. Army,
Asst. Curator., A.M.M.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Medical Museum to Close Exhibits in 4 Days

MEDICAL MUSEUM TO CLOSE EXHIBITS ON APRIL 3, 2011
TO PREPARE FOR MOVE TO SILVER SPRING, MD



February 28, 2011, Washington, D.C.: As part of the relocation of the National Museum of Health and Medicine from its present location to its new home in Silver Spring, Maryland, exhibits at the present location will phase out over the coming weeks. The last day that the public may visit any exhibits at the Museum in its present location will be on Sunday, April 3, 2011. All of the Museum’s exhibits are expected to remain available to visitors through April 3, 2011.



The Museum is open to the public daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (including weekends and holidays), on the campus at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Admission and parking are free. Adults must present government-issued photo identification to gain entry to the Walter Reed campus, and vehicles are subject to search. Learn more about planning a visit to the Museum on the campus of Walter Reed at http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/planning/index.html.



NMHM will complete its relocation to the Forest Glen Annex during the summer of 2011 and looks forward to welcoming the public at its new location in the fall. Stay tuned to the Museum’s website, Facebook page and e-newsletter for details.



During this transition period, while the Museum is closed to the public at its present location on the Walter Reed campus, Museum public programs staff will be working to continue their activities at other locations in the Silver Spring, Md., area. Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for details.



Questions should be directed to Tim Clarke, NMHM Deputy Director for Communications, (202) 782-2672.

About the National Museum of Health and Medicine

  • The National Museum of Health and Medicine, established in 1862, inspires interest in and promotes the understanding of medicine—past, present, and future—with a special emphasis on tri-service American military medicine. As a National Historic Landmark recognized for its ongoing value to the health of the military and to the nation, the Museum identifies, collects, and preserves important and unique resources to support a broad agenda of innovative exhibits, educational programs, and scientific, historical, and medical research. The Museum is presently located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. Visit www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum or call (202) 782-2200 for more information.

 

Letter of the Day: March 30

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 06620

"Copy"

Surgeon General's Office,
Museum and Library Division, Washington, Mar. 30, 1903

To the Hon. The Secretary of War.

Referring to communication of March 27, 1903, I desire to admit that I have assisted a friend on several occasions to do light repairing, but have not made it a practice of doing so at all times, and if it is against the rules of this Department for me to do work of this character, I will do no more of it in the future.

You obedient servant,
(Sgd.) John Putland

(Encl. B)

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Letter of the Day: March 29

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 01383

Fort McIntosh, Texas

March 29, 1896

Maj. Walter Reed U.S.A.
Washington, D.C.

Dear Doctor:

I have this day forwarded to your address some sputa collected with aseptic care from a tuberculous patient, whom I have treated for six weeks with Paguin's serum.

An examination made at the beginning of treatment revealed a great number of bacilli. For the last few days I have endeavored to demonstrate their prisence [sic] but without success, whether this is due to my own imperfect technique, or to the fact the serum has been this effective I am unable to say, at any rate I am unwilling to rely upon the results of my own investigation. As the question is one of great importance to the patient, upon which depends the continence of the treatment, I beg that you will kindly give me the results of your examination thereof-the patient is a member of an officer's family.

x x x x x x

Please pardon the inquiry, but when may I expect the histological mounts that you are preparing? I understand that in the midst of your official duties you have little time for outside work; but I am extremely anxious for them and am prompted to ask the question at the expense of propriety.

Very respectfully
R.S. Woodson

Medical Museum to Close Exhibits in 5 Days

MEDICAL MUSEUM TO CLOSE EXHIBITS ON APRIL 3, 2011
TO PREPARE FOR MOVE TO SILVER SPRING, MD



February 28, 2011, Washington, D.C.: As part of the relocation of the National Museum of Health and Medicine from its present location to its new home in Silver Spring, Maryland, exhibits at the present location will phase out over the coming weeks. The last day that the public may visit any exhibits at the Museum in its present location will be on Sunday, April 3, 2011. All of the Museum’s exhibits are expected to remain available to visitors through April 3, 2011.



The Museum is open to the public daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (including weekends and holidays), on the campus at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Admission and parking are free. Adults must present government-issued photo identification to gain entry to the Walter Reed campus, and vehicles are subject to search. Learn more about planning a visit to the Museum on the campus of Walter Reed at http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/planning/index.html.



NMHM will complete its relocation to the Forest Glen Annex during the summer of 2011 and looks forward to welcoming the public at its new location in the fall. Stay tuned to the Museum’s website, Facebook page and e-newsletter for details.



During this transition period, while the Museum is closed to the public at its present location on the Walter Reed campus, Museum public programs staff will be working to continue their activities at other locations in the Silver Spring, Md., area. Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for details.



Questions should be directed to Tim Clarke, NMHM Deputy Director for Communications, (202) 782-2672.

About the National Museum of Health and Medicine

  • The National Museum of Health and Medicine, established in 1862, inspires interest in and promotes the understanding of medicine—past, present, and future—with a special emphasis on tri-service American military medicine. As a National Historic Landmark recognized for its ongoing value to the health of the military and to the nation, the Museum identifies, collects, and preserves important and unique resources to support a broad agenda of innovative exhibits, educational programs, and scientific, historical, and medical research. The Museum is presently located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. Visit www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum or call (202) 782-2200 for more information.

 

Monday, March 28, 2011

Former curator Jim Connor's medical records research project

Jim Connor left the Museum a few years ago to return to Canada. Here's a project he's working on with Newfoundland health records -

Letter of the Day: March 28

Subject: Purchase of Medical Medals, etc.

War Department,
Surgeon General's Office
U.S. Army Medical Museum and Library
Corner of 7th and B Streets S.W.,

Washington, March 28, 1898.

To the Surgeon General,
U.S. Army.

General:

I have the honor to request authority to purchase for deposit in the Army Medical Museums the following medical medals:

St. Johns Guild floating hospital, $1.50
Stephen Girard.......50;

also for bacteriological specimens, &c.:

6 rabbits......... $3.00
6 Guinea pigs.......3.00
2 mice.......... .50

to be paid for from the Museum Appropriation as emergency purchases.

Very respectfully,
Dallas Bache
Col. & Asst. Surgeon Genl. U.S.A.
In charge of Museum and Library Division.

Medical Museum to Close Exhibits in 6 Days

MEDICAL MUSEUM TO CLOSE EXHIBITS ON APRIL 3, 2011
TO PREPARE FOR MOVE TO SILVER SPRING, MD



February 28, 2011, Washington, D.C.: As part of the relocation of the National Museum of Health and Medicine from its present location to its new home in Silver Spring, Maryland, exhibits at the present location will phase out over the coming weeks. The last day that the public may visit any exhibits at the Museum in its present location will be on Sunday, April 3, 2011. All of the Museum’s exhibits are expected to remain available to visitors through April 3, 2011.



The Museum is open to the public daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (including weekends and holidays), on the campus at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Admission and parking are free. Adults must present government-issued photo identification to gain entry to the Walter Reed campus, and vehicles are subject to search. Learn more about planning a visit to the Museum on the campus of Walter Reed at http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/planning/index.html.



NMHM will complete its relocation to the Forest Glen Annex during the summer of 2011 and looks forward to welcoming the public at its new location in the fall. Stay tuned to the Museum’s website, Facebook page and e-newsletter for details.



During this transition period, while the Museum is closed to the public at its present location on the Walter Reed campus, Museum public programs staff will be working to continue their activities at other locations in the Silver Spring, Md., area. Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for details.



Questions should be directed to Tim Clarke, NMHM Deputy Director for Communications, (202) 782-2672.

About the National Museum of Health and Medicine

  • The National Museum of Health and Medicine, established in 1862, inspires interest in and promotes the understanding of medicine—past, present, and future—with a special emphasis on tri-service American military medicine. As a National Historic Landmark recognized for its ongoing value to the health of the military and to the nation, the Museum identifies, collects, and preserves important and unique resources to support a broad agenda of innovative exhibits, educational programs, and scientific, historical, and medical research. The Museum is presently located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. Visit www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum or call (202) 782-2200 for more information.

 

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Medical Museum to Close Exhibits in 7 Days

MEDICAL MUSEUM TO CLOSE EXHIBITS ON APRIL 3, 2011
TO PREPARE FOR MOVE TO SILVER SPRING, MD



February 28, 2011, Washington, D.C.: As part of the relocation of the National Museum of Health and Medicine from its present location to its new home in Silver Spring, Maryland, exhibits at the present location will phase out over the coming weeks. The last day that the public may visit any exhibits at the Museum in its present location will be on Sunday, April 3, 2011. All of the Museum’s exhibits are expected to remain available to visitors through April 3, 2011.



The Museum is open to the public daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (including weekends and holidays), on the campus at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Admission and parking are free. Adults must present government-issued photo identification to gain entry to the Walter Reed campus, and vehicles are subject to search. Learn more about planning a visit to the Museum on the campus of Walter Reed at http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/planning/index.html.



NMHM will complete its relocation to the Forest Glen Annex during the summer of 2011 and looks forward to welcoming the public at its new location in the fall. Stay tuned to the Museum’s website, Facebook page and e-newsletter for details.



During this transition period, while the Museum is closed to the public at its present location on the Walter Reed campus, Museum public programs staff will be working to continue their activities at other locations in the Silver Spring, Md., area. Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for details.



Questions should be directed to Tim Clarke, NMHM Deputy Director for Communications, (202) 782-2672.

About the National Museum of Health and Medicine

  • The National Museum of Health and Medicine, established in 1862, inspires interest in and promotes the understanding of medicine—past, present, and future—with a special emphasis on tri-service American military medicine. As a National Historic Landmark recognized for its ongoing value to the health of the military and to the nation, the Museum identifies, collects, and preserves important and unique resources to support a broad agenda of innovative exhibits, educational programs, and scientific, historical, and medical research. The Museum is presently located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. Visit www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum or call (202) 782-2200 for more information.

 

Letter of the Day: March 27

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 03781

Subject: Medical Department Equipment.

War Department,
Surgeon General's Office,
U.S. Army Medical Museum and Library
Corner of 7th and B Streets SW

Washington, March 27, 1899.

To the Surgeon General,
U.S. Army

General:

I have the honor to request that I be furnished, for deposit in the Army Medical Museum, with the following articles as now used by the Medical Department of the U.S. Army:

1 First aid packet
1 Field operating case
1 Medical chest
1 Surgical chest
1 Field desk, equipped.

It is not necessary that the bottles in the chest be filled, but they should have the proper labels.

Very respectfully,
Dallas Bache Col. & Asst. Surgeon General, U.S.A.
In charge of Museum and Library Division.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Last week of the Museum pictures on Flickr

I shot over 300 photos of the Museum's exhibits and collection areas on last Friday, which is slightly over a week before the Museum closes at Walter Reed Army Medical Center for good. The last day to see exhibits is April 3, 2011, or you can look at them online here. The new building is considerably smaller and most of these exhibits will not be reworked for display there.

Medical Museum to Close Exhibits in 8 Days

MEDICAL MUSEUM TO CLOSE EXHIBITS ON APRIL 3, 2011
TO PREPARE FOR MOVE TO SILVER SPRING, MD



February 28, 2011, Washington, D.C.: As part of the relocation of the National Museum of Health and Medicine from its present location to its new home in Silver Spring, Maryland, exhibits at the present location will phase out over the coming weeks. The last day that the public may visit any exhibits at the Museum in its present location will be on Sunday, April 3, 2011. All of the Museum’s exhibits are expected to remain available to visitors through April 3, 2011.



The Museum is open to the public daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (including weekends and holidays), on the campus at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Admission and parking are free. Adults must present government-issued photo identification to gain entry to the Walter Reed campus, and vehicles are subject to search. Learn more about planning a visit to the Museum on the campus of Walter Reed at http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/planning/index.html.



NMHM will complete its relocation to the Forest Glen Annex during the summer of 2011 and looks forward to welcoming the public at its new location in the fall. Stay tuned to the Museum’s website, Facebook page and e-newsletter for details.



During this transition period, while the Museum is closed to the public at its present location on the Walter Reed campus, Museum public programs staff will be working to continue their activities at other locations in the Silver Spring, Md., area. Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for details.



Questions should be directed to Tim Clarke, NMHM Deputy Director for Communications, (202) 782-2672.

About the National Museum of Health and Medicine

  • The National Museum of Health and Medicine, established in 1862, inspires interest in and promotes the understanding of medicine—past, present, and future—with a special emphasis on tri-service American military medicine. As a National Historic Landmark recognized for its ongoing value to the health of the military and to the nation, the Museum identifies, collects, and preserves important and unique resources to support a broad agenda of innovative exhibits, educational programs, and scientific, historical, and medical research. The Museum is presently located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. Visit www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum or call (202) 782-2200 for more information.

 

Letter of the Day: March 26

Surgeon General’s Office
Washington City, D.C.
March 26 1864

Unofficial.

Sir,

The Acting Surgeon General directs me to call your attention to the anomalous position given to the Army Medical Museum, in the heading of the accompanying letter, and to direct that in the future you will transpose the heading.

Very Respectfully
Your obt. Serv’t.
C.H. Crane
Surgeon U.S.A.

Surg. J. H. Brinton U.S.V.
180 Pa. Avenue

Friday, March 25, 2011

Medical Museum to Close Exhibits on April 3, 2011

MEDICAL MUSEUM TO CLOSE EXHIBITS ON APRIL 3, 2011
TO PREPARE FOR MOVE TO SILVER SPRING, MD



February 28, 2011, Washington, D.C.: As part of the relocation of the National Museum of Health and Medicine from its present location to its new home in Silver Spring, Maryland, exhibits at the present location will phase out over the coming weeks. The last day that the public may visit any exhibits at the Museum in its present location will be on Sunday, April 3, 2011. All of the Museum’s exhibits are expected to remain available to visitors through April 3, 2011.



The Museum is open to the public daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (including weekends and holidays), on the campus at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Admission and parking are free. Adults must present government-issued photo identification to gain entry to the Walter Reed campus, and vehicles are subject to search. Learn more about planning a visit to the Museum on the campus of Walter Reed at http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/planning/index.html.



NMHM will complete its relocation to the Forest Glen Annex during the summer of 2011 and looks forward to welcoming the public at its new location in the fall. Stay tuned to the Museum’s website, Facebook page and e-newsletter for details.



During this transition period, while the Museum is closed to the public at its present location on the Walter Reed campus, Museum public programs staff will be working to continue their activities at other locations in the Silver Spring, Md., area. Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for details.



Questions should be directed to Tim Clarke, NMHM Deputy Director for Communications, (202) 782-2672.

About the National Museum of Health and Medicine

  • The National Museum of Health and Medicine, established in 1862, inspires interest in and promotes the understanding of medicine—past, present, and future—with a special emphasis on tri-service American military medicine. As a National Historic Landmark recognized for its ongoing value to the health of the military and to the nation, the Museum identifies, collects, and preserves important and unique resources to support a broad agenda of innovative exhibits, educational programs, and scientific, historical, and medical research. The Museum is presently located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. Visit www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum or call (202) 782-2200 for more information.

 

Letter of the Day: March 25

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 03775

Subject: Repair of Army Medical Museum Building.

War Department,
Surgeon General's Office,
U.S. Army Medical Museum and Library
Corner of 7th and B Streets SW

Washington, March 25, 1899

To the Surgeon General,
U.S. Army

General

I have the honor to state that the following repairs are necessary at the Army Medical Museum Building.
1. Repairing metal work of entire roof including new spouts where necessary
2. Painting entire roof of building.
3. Kalsoming Museum Hall in conformity with present color.
4. Kalsoming entrance hall, corridors, photograph gallery and 3 rooms.

As regards No. 1, the recent storms here damaged the metal work of the roof in a number of places, allowing the rains to penetrate into the photograph gallery, the museum and library halls, and room No. 7 on third floor. It is estimated that the necessary the repairs, including several new spouts will cost about $35.00.

When repairs to the metal work of the roof have been made, roofs of main as well as rear building should be repainted. They were last painted in 1895. The estimated cost of this work is $130.

In regard to the Museum hall, I would state that it has not been rekalsomined since its first occupation in 1887. During this time a number of repairs have been made to the plastering, and the rain has leaked through the roof leaving the walls very much defaced. It is estimated that the area to be kalsomioed [sic] is 2000 square yards (more or less), which, in tints, at 11 cents per square yard would account to $220.00.

The walls of the entrance hall, of the stairs, and main corridors, which were kalsomined three years ago, are open to the public in all kinds of weather, and are much defaced and worn. Rains have spoiled the kalsomining in the photograph gallery and in room No. 7, of third floor, and the removal of stationary wall cases from the new faculty and school room has left the walls marred. This area to rekalsomined contains about 4300 square yards, and at 7 cents per yard would require $301.00. To this should be added for repainting the skirting (washboards) in Museum Hall, corridors and rooms, about 1500 running feet, at 1 cent per foot, $15.00.

The repair of the metal work and the re-painting of the roof should be done as soon as possible, and I would suggest, as the best time for kalsomining, the middle or latter part of April.

Very respectfully,
Dallas Bache
Col. & Asst. Surgeon General, U.S.A.
In charge of Museum and Library Division.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Dan Sickles featured in newspaper

The strange case of Dan Sickles

By Mike Yawn The Huntsville Item March 24, 2011

Sarah Vowell likes our medical museum

"One of her favorite spots is the District's National Museum of Health and Medicine — a can't-miss destination where fragments of Abe's skull are on view. She also likes Ford's Theatre, where he was shot in 1865."
 
 by Express contributor Jessica Roake

Medical Museum to Close Exhibits on April 3, 2011

MEDICAL MUSEUM TO CLOSE EXHIBITS ON APRIL 3, 2011
TO PREPARE FOR MOVE TO SILVER SPRING, MD



February 28, 2011, Washington, D.C.: As part of the relocation of the National Museum of Health and Medicine from its present location to its new home in Silver Spring, Maryland, exhibits at the present location will phase out over the coming weeks. The last day that the public may visit any exhibits at the Museum in its present location will be on Sunday, April 3, 2011. All of the Museum’s exhibits are expected to remain available to visitors through April 3, 2011.



The Museum is open to the public daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (including weekends and holidays), on the campus at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Admission and parking are free. Adults must present government-issued photo identification to gain entry to the Walter Reed campus, and vehicles are subject to search. Learn more about planning a visit to the Museum on the campus of Walter Reed at http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/planning/index.html.



NMHM will complete its relocation to the Forest Glen Annex during the summer of 2011 and looks forward to welcoming the public at its new location in the fall. Stay tuned to the Museum’s website, Facebook page and e-newsletter for details.



During this transition period, while the Museum is closed to the public at its present location on the Walter Reed campus, Museum public programs staff will be working to continue their activities at other locations in the Silver Spring, Md., area. Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for details.



Questions should be directed to Tim Clarke, NMHM Deputy Director for Communications, (202) 782-2672.

About the National Museum of Health and Medicine

  • The National Museum of Health and Medicine, established in 1862, inspires interest in and promotes the understanding of medicine—past, present, and future—with a special emphasis on tri-service American military medicine. As a National Historic Landmark recognized for its ongoing value to the health of the military and to the nation, the Museum identifies, collects, and preserves important and unique resources to support a broad agenda of innovative exhibits, educational programs, and scientific, historical, and medical research. The Museum is presently located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. Visit www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum or call (202) 782-2200 for more information.

 

Letter of the Day: March 24 [thanks for the parasites]

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 06610

Surgeon General’s Office,
U.S. Army Medical Museum and Library,
Corner of 7th and B Streets SW
Washington, March 24, 1903

Captain B. K. Ashford,
Asst. Surgeon, U.S. Army,
San Juan, P.R.

(Through the Surgeon General, U.S. Army)

Sir:

I have the honor to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of specimens of the filarial nocturna and uncinaria duodenale for the Army Medical School. Through your co-operation it has become possible to provide each member of the class with specimens of these parasites.

Very respectfully,
James Carroll
1st Lieut. Asst. Surgeon, U.S.A.
Asst. Curator.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Letter of the Day: March 23

Field Hospital
Fort Cummings, N.M.
March 23, 1882

Surgeon General U.S. Army,
Washington, D.C.

Sir,

I have the honor to state that I have this day turned over to the Post Quartermaster for shipment to the Army Medical Museum a two headed Foetal calf.

The history of the case is as follows: Mr. Charles Clauberg the post butcher, who presents the specimen, states that about three months ago he slaughtered a fine fat heifer, not knowing that she was pregnant, and on finding that her uterus contained a calf proceeded to cut it out, after he had inadvertently cut off the heads, he found the peculiarities noted, the double head, single neck, and double joints, throughout the body, as far as examined.

I have thought the specimen of too much value, to be lost and therefore forward it.

Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
R.C. Newton.
Asst Surg. U.S.A.
Post Surgeon

[note written at the end of letter, in a different hand]
Specimen received
ackd [acknowledged] May 13, 1882,
Turned over to
Mr. Schafhirt, Anatomical-
for section of Comparative Anatomy

Medical Museum to Close Exhibits on April 3, 2011

MEDICAL MUSEUM TO CLOSE EXHIBITS ON APRIL 3, 2011
TO PREPARE FOR MOVE TO SILVER SPRING, MD



February 28, 2011, Washington, D.C.: As part of the relocation of the National Museum of Health and Medicine from its present location to its new home in Silver Spring, Maryland, exhibits at the present location will phase out over the coming weeks. The last day that the public may visit any exhibits at the Museum in its present location will be on Sunday, April 3, 2011. All of the Museum’s exhibits are expected to remain available to visitors through April 3, 2011.



The Museum is open to the public daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (including weekends and holidays), on the campus at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Admission and parking are free. Adults must present government-issued photo identification to gain entry to the Walter Reed campus, and vehicles are subject to search. Learn more about planning a visit to the Museum on the campus of Walter Reed at http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/planning/index.html.



NMHM will complete its relocation to the Forest Glen Annex during the summer of 2011 and looks forward to welcoming the public at its new location in the fall. Stay tuned to the Museum’s website, Facebook page and e-newsletter for details.



During this transition period, while the Museum is closed to the public at its present location on the Walter Reed campus, Museum public programs staff will be working to continue their activities at other locations in the Silver Spring, Md., area. Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for details.



Questions should be directed to Tim Clarke, NMHM Deputy Director for Communications, (202) 782-2672.

About the National Museum of Health and Medicine

  • The National Museum of Health and Medicine, established in 1862, inspires interest in and promotes the understanding of medicine—past, present, and future—with a special emphasis on tri-service American military medicine. As a National Historic Landmark recognized for its ongoing value to the health of the military and to the nation, the Museum identifies, collects, and preserves important and unique resources to support a broad agenda of innovative exhibits, educational programs, and scientific, historical, and medical research. The Museum is presently located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. Visit www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum or call (202) 782-2200 for more information.

 

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Dr Ed Beeman, former museum volunteer, has died

Here's his death notice. I didn't work directly with him, so I didn't really get to know him.

Dr. Edward Arthur Beeman

On Thursday, March 17, 2011, DR. EDWARD ARTHUR BEEMAN of Bethesda, MD. Beloved husband of Jean S. Beeman. Devoted father of Barbara (Dr. Joseph Domagalski) Beeman, Judith (Leon) Malnik, Dr. Cynthia (Dr. Dennis Lynn) and Robert (Jane) Beeman. Loving grandfather of Miriam and Joshua Malnik and Isaac Domagalski. Dear brother of Sydney Beeman. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 21, 2011, 1 p.m. at Temple Shalom, 8401 Grubb Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815. Interment following at Judean Memorial Gardens, Olney, MD. After the interment, shiva will be observed at the late residence through Wednesday evening, and at the home of Judith and Leon from Thursday through Sunday. Memorial contributions may be made to Temple Shalom or to Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Drive, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850. Arrangements entrusted to TORCHINSKY HEBREW FUNERAL HOME, 202-541-1001 (endorsed by the Rabbinical Council of Greater Washington).


Published in The Washington Post from March 18 to March 19, 2011

Medical Museum to Close Exhibits on April 3, 2011

MEDICAL MUSEUM TO CLOSE EXHIBITS ON APRIL 3, 2011
TO PREPARE FOR MOVE TO SILVER SPRING, MD



February 28, 2011, Washington, D.C.: As part of the relocation of the National Museum of Health and Medicine from its present location to its new home in Silver Spring, Maryland, exhibits at the present location will phase out over the coming weeks. The last day that the public may visit any exhibits at the Museum in its present location will be on Sunday, April 3, 2011. All of the Museum’s exhibits are expected to remain available to visitors through April 3, 2011.



The Museum is open to the public daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (including weekends and holidays), on the campus at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Admission and parking are free. Adults must present government-issued photo identification to gain entry to the Walter Reed campus, and vehicles are subject to search. Learn more about planning a visit to the Museum on the campus of Walter Reed at http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/planning/index.html.



NMHM will complete its relocation to the Forest Glen Annex during the summer of 2011 and looks forward to welcoming the public at its new location in the fall. Stay tuned to the Museum’s website, Facebook page and e-newsletter for details.



During this transition period, while the Museum is closed to the public at its present location on the Walter Reed campus, Museum public programs staff will be working to continue their activities at other locations in the Silver Spring, Md., area. Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for details.



Questions should be directed to Tim Clarke, NMHM Deputy Director for Communications, (202) 782-2672.

About the National Museum of Health and Medicine

  • The National Museum of Health and Medicine, established in 1862, inspires interest in and promotes the understanding of medicine—past, present, and future—with a special emphasis on tri-service American military medicine. As a National Historic Landmark recognized for its ongoing value to the health of the military and to the nation, the Museum identifies, collects, and preserves important and unique resources to support a broad agenda of innovative exhibits, educational programs, and scientific, historical, and medical research. The Museum is presently located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. Visit www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum or call (202) 782-2200 for more information.

 

Letter of the Day: March 22

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 08224

War Department,
Office of the Surgeon General,
Army Medical Museum and Library,
Washington

March 22, 1905.

To the Surgeon General, U.S. Army

Sir:

I have the honor to report that Mr. C. J. Myers, clerk, Class IV, of the Museum and Library Division, died at 9:15 A.M. this day.

Very respectfully,
C. L. Heizmann Col. Asst. Surgeon General, U.S.Army
In charge of Museum and Library Division

Monday, March 21, 2011

FederalNewsRadio features museum

Medical museum is on the move
By Suzanne Kubota
Senior Internet Editor
FederalNewsRadio.com
March 21, 2011

Tim Clarke, Deputy Director of Communications, National Museum of Health and Medicine

 Download mp3

Medical Museum to Close Exhibits on April 3, 2011

MEDICAL MUSEUM TO CLOSE EXHIBITS ON APRIL 3, 2011
TO PREPARE FOR MOVE TO SILVER SPRING, MD



February 28, 2011, Washington, D.C.: As part of the relocation of the National Museum of Health and Medicine from its present location to its new home in Silver Spring, Maryland, exhibits at the present location will phase out over the coming weeks. The last day that the public may visit any exhibits at the Museum in its present location will be on Sunday, April 3, 2011. All of the Museum’s exhibits are expected to remain available to visitors through April 3, 2011.



The Museum is open to the public daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (including weekends and holidays), on the campus at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Admission and parking are free. Adults must present government-issued photo identification to gain entry to the Walter Reed campus, and vehicles are subject to search. Learn more about planning a visit to the Museum on the campus of Walter Reed at http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/planning/index.html.



NMHM will complete its relocation to the Forest Glen Annex during the summer of 2011 and looks forward to welcoming the public at its new location in the fall. Stay tuned to the Museum’s website, Facebook page and e-newsletter for details.



During this transition period, while the Museum is closed to the public at its present location on the Walter Reed campus, Museum public programs staff will be working to continue their activities at other locations in the Silver Spring, Md., area. Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for details.



Questions should be directed to Tim Clarke, NMHM Deputy Director for Communications, (202) 782-2672.

About the National Museum of Health and Medicine

  • The National Museum of Health and Medicine, established in 1862, inspires interest in and promotes the understanding of medicine—past, present, and future—with a special emphasis on tri-service American military medicine. As a National Historic Landmark recognized for its ongoing value to the health of the military and to the nation, the Museum identifies, collects, and preserves important and unique resources to support a broad agenda of innovative exhibits, educational programs, and scientific, historical, and medical research. The Museum is presently located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. Visit www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum or call (202) 782-2200 for more information.

 

Letter of the Day: March 21

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 08225

Maryland
Agricultural Experiment Station
H.J. Patterson, Director

College Park, Prince Geo. Co., Md.
Mar. 21, 1905

Dr. Carroll
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir-

I take the liberty of asking you a question which concerns or has bearing on some work we have been doing at this station during the past winter on certain conditions affecting the milk, which are supposed to come from a diseased condition of the udder. What I would like to know is whether fibrin is usually associated with pus due to inflammatory conditions.

Very truly yours,
C.F Doane, Dairyman.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Letter of the Day: March 20

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 04453

War Department,
Surgeon General's Office,
U.S. Army Medical Museum and Library,
Corner 7th and B Streets SW.,
Washington

March 20, 1900

Colonel A. M. Miller
Corps of Engineers, U.S.A.
Office of Washington Aqueduct.

Dear Sir:

I enclosed tabulated list of the results obtained with the gas producing organisms isolated from Congressional Spring water, collected February 7, 1900.

The average count was 78 per cc.

Of 6 fermentation tube inoculated with 2 cc of the water, 1 gave 68% of gas and 5 were negative.

Of 6 tubes charged with 4 cc of water, 2 gave 20% of gas and 4 were negative.

Nos. 6 and 7 of the table are almost typical colon bacilli; they differ from it only in their slow fermentation of lactose.

Very truly yours,
James Carroll
Acting Asst. Surgeon,
U.S. Army.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Medical Museum to Close Exhibits on April 3, 2011

MEDICAL MUSEUM TO CLOSE EXHIBITS ON APRIL 3, 2011
TO PREPARE FOR MOVE TO SILVER SPRING, MD



February 28, 2011, Washington, D.C.: As part of the relocation of the National Museum of Health and Medicine from its present location to its new home in Silver Spring, Maryland, exhibits at the present location will phase out over the coming weeks. The last day that the public may visit any exhibits at the Museum in its present location will be on Sunday, April 3, 2011. All of the Museum’s exhibits are expected to remain available to visitors through April 3, 2011.



The Museum is open to the public daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (including weekends and holidays), on the campus at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Admission and parking are free. Adults must present government-issued photo identification to gain entry to the Walter Reed campus, and vehicles are subject to search. Learn more about planning a visit to the Museum on the campus of Walter Reed at http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/planning/index.html.



NMHM will complete its relocation to the Forest Glen Annex during the summer of 2011 and looks forward to welcoming the public at its new location in the fall. Stay tuned to the Museum’s website, Facebook page and e-newsletter for details.



During this transition period, while the Museum is closed to the public at its present location on the Walter Reed campus, Museum public programs staff will be working to continue their activities at other locations in the Silver Spring, Md., area. Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for details.



Questions should be directed to Tim Clarke, NMHM Deputy Director for Communications, (202) 782-2672.

About the National Museum of Health and Medicine

  • The National Museum of Health and Medicine, established in 1862, inspires interest in and promotes the understanding of medicine—past, present, and future—with a special emphasis on tri-service American military medicine. As a National Historic Landmark recognized for its ongoing value to the health of the military and to the nation, the Museum identifies, collects, and preserves important and unique resources to support a broad agenda of innovative exhibits, educational programs, and scientific, historical, and medical research. The Museum is presently located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. Visit www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum or call (202) 782-2200 for more information.

 

Letter of the Day: March 19

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 07378

War Department,
Office of the Surgeon General,
Army Medical Museum and Library,
Washington

March 19, 1904.

1st Lieut. Thos. Devereaux
Asst. Surgeon, U.S.A.
U.S. Army Transport "Sumner"
Pier 12, East River
New York, N.Y.

Dear Doctor:

I wish to thank you for the tape worm you so kindly sent me, which arrived yesterday. It has been very useful for class demonstration.

Sincerely yours,
James Carroll
1st Lieut. Asst. Surgeon, U.S.A.
Curator, Army Medical Museum.

Friday, March 18, 2011

DC government to get, and demolish, Walter Reed Hospital

D.C. sees big development potential with more land at Walter Reed
By: Liz Farmer <http://washingtonexaminer.com/people/liz-farmer>
03/18/11
Washington Examiner Staff Writer Follow Her @LizFarmerDC
<http://twitter.com/LizFarmerDC>
http://washingtonexaminer.com/local/dc/2011/03/dc-sees-big-development-p
otential-more-land-walter-reed

Exhibit Design Concept for Downtown Silver Spring




                                                              putting the show on the road

Letter of the Day: March 18

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 08215

War Department,
Office of the Surgeon General,
Army Medical Museum and Library,
Washington

March 18, 1905.

To the Surgeon General,
U.S. Army

Sir: I have the honor to request the authority to purchase for deposit in the Army Medical Museum:

A series of twelve wax preparations showing stages of diphtheria in children, at a cost of $180.00.

to be paid for from the Museum appropriation.

Very respectfully,
C. L. Heizmann
Col. Asst. Surgeon General, U.S.A.
In charge of Museum and Library Division

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Medical Museum to Close Exhibits on April 3, 2011

MEDICAL MUSEUM TO CLOSE EXHIBITS ON APRIL 3, 2011
TO PREPARE FOR MOVE TO SILVER SPRING, MD



February 28, 2011, Washington, D.C.: As part of the relocation of the National Museum of Health and Medicine from its present location to its new home in Silver Spring, Maryland, exhibits at the present location will phase out over the coming weeks. The last day that the public may visit any exhibits at the Museum in its present location will be on Sunday, April 3, 2011. All of the Museum’s exhibits are expected to remain available to visitors through April 3, 2011.



The Museum is open to the public daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (including weekends and holidays), on the campus at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Admission and parking are free. Adults must present government-issued photo identification to gain entry to the Walter Reed campus, and vehicles are subject to search. Learn more about planning a visit to the Museum on the campus of Walter Reed at http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/planning/index.html.



NMHM will complete its relocation to the Forest Glen Annex during the summer of 2011 and looks forward to welcoming the public at its new location in the fall. Stay tuned to the Museum’s website, Facebook page and e-newsletter for details.



During this transition period, while the Museum is closed to the public at its present location on the Walter Reed campus, Museum public programs staff will be working to continue their activities at other locations in the Silver Spring, Md., area. Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for details.



Questions should be directed to Tim Clarke, NMHM Deputy Director for Communications, (202) 782-2672.

About the National Museum of Health and Medicine

  • The National Museum of Health and Medicine, established in 1862, inspires interest in and promotes the understanding of medicine—past, present, and future—with a special emphasis on tri-service American military medicine. As a National Historic Landmark recognized for its ongoing value to the health of the military and to the nation, the Museum identifies, collects, and preserves important and unique resources to support a broad agenda of innovative exhibits, educational programs, and scientific, historical, and medical research. The Museum is presently located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. Visit www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum or call (202) 782-2200 for more information.

 

Letter of the Day: March 17

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 01334

March 17, 1896

Messrs Schering & Glatz,
55 Maiden Lane,

Gentlemen:

Your letter of the 16th instant has been received. We have been using formalin at this Museum, and in the shape referred to in your letter, for more than two years, as a preservative and as a hardening agent for the tissues, and have obtained admirable results from the same, and expect to continue its use. Upon inquiry I find that we have a sufficient quantity on hand to last for several months. When next we desire a supply you will receive an invitation to bid.

The Commissioner of Education, Interior Department, this city, can most probably furnish you with a list of Museums and educational institutions in the United States from which you would select such as you consider desirable.

Very respectfully,

Walter Reed,
Surgeon, U.S. Army,
Curator.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Letter of the Day: March 16

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 01334

C. Gottlob Kolb
Carl F. Stiefel

Schering & Glatz,
Importers of Drugs & Chemicals
No. 55 Maiden Lane.

New York, March 16, 1896



Major Walter Reed, Surgeon U.S. Army,
Curator Army Medical Museum, Washington, D.C.

Dear Doctor:-

Being desirous to bring into more general use Formalin as a preserving agent of anatomical and historical specimens, etc. we intend to submit offers, similar to the enclosed to Museums of Natural History, etc.-

We would be under great obligations to you if you could furnich [sic] us with the addresses of some museums and institutions in the United States, who likely have use for the article.

Any expense connected therewith will be cheerfully refunded by

Yours very truly,
Schering & Glatz

Enclosure:
Stamped envelope

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Museum's April 3rd closure noted in local media

Last Day to Visit the NMHM at Walter Reed is April 3

  by William F. Zeman on Mar. 10, 2011

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/general/2011/03/10/last-day-to-visit-nmhm-is-april-3/

Medical Museum to Be Creepy Elsewhere

By CARISSA DIMARGO
 Mar 15, 2011
http://www.nbcwashington.com/the-scene/events/Medical-Museum-to-be-Creepy-Elsewhere-118005664.html

Letter of the Day: March 13

De Camp General Hospital, U.S.A.,

Davids’ Island, New York Harbor,

Mar. 13th 1866

 

My dear Doctor,

 

I have sent by Adams Express Co. to the address of the Surgeon General, a box containing some photographs of surgical cases, and the histories there of rather imperfectly obtained by me from personal interviews with the patients and statements given by others. The box also contained a humerus and bullet relative to one of the cases. I likewise sent three additional photographic views of this Hospital which will complete the series taken, five of which have been previously forwarded by me to the Army Medical Museum.

 

Will you oblige me by forwarding a copy of Circular No 6 to the following address: Dr. S.F. Morris care of R.L. Morris, M.D., Pelham, P.O. Westchester Co., N. York.

 

Yours very truly

 

Warren Webster

 

Dr. Otis, +c. +c.

Letter of the Day: March 15

Fort Wingate N.M.

March 15th 1870

 

Surgeon General U.S.A.

 

Gen.

 

I have the honor to enclose for Army Medical Museum Ten Photographs of Navajo Indians and one reduced copy of a sketch of one of the Mogin villages.

 

They are all very poorly taken and printed, but the best that can be got here, and may be of some interest as illustrating the Navajo dress, features +c.

 

On Feb. 11th I forwarded a small collection of crania and weapons to the Museum and sent Catalogues with Receipt of A.A.Q.M. for packages by mail on same date.

 

Very respectfully

Your Obedient Servant

R.S. Vickery

Asst. Surg. U.S.A.