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African Americans in Civil War Medicine

Today, while visiting the website of the National Library of Medicine for work purposes, I noticed an announcement of a new online exhibit titled, “Binding Wounds, Pushing Boundaries: African Americans in Civil War Medicine.”
The online exhibit focuses on the specific contributions of African-Americans as nurses, surgeons and hospital workers.   There are 5 main sections to the site, each presented by a banner in physical form:

  • In Uniform
  • Catalyst for Change
  • Nursing the Wounded
  • Working for Freedom
  • Within these Walls
Banner display at the National Library of Medicine

The online exhibit includes brief biographies of several individuals and includes numerous pictures.  It’s not an in-depth treatment of the topic, but gives a solid overview.  In addition, there are Lesson Plans for K-12 educators and the exhibit will be travelling around the country.  The online exhibit can be found here.

Disclosure:  In my professional career, I’ve been funded by the National Library of Medicine twice for training fellowships.

2 thoughts on “African Americans in Civil War Medicine”

  1. Thanks for your post about our newest exhibition. I encourage everyone to visit the National Library of Medicine to see the exhibition which includes an expanded special display where you can see rare and never-before-seen artifacts and photographs that document the participation and experiences of African American nurses and surgeons during the American Civil War.

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