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Civil War 150 in greater Philadelphia
One hundred fifty years ago today, the fall of Fort Sumter marked the beginning of the American Civil War.
Over the next four years, The College of Physicians of Philadelphia and more than 70 partners in the Civil War History Consortium will commemorate the Philadelphia area's involvement in the war. Robert D. Hicks, PhD, Director of the Mütter Museum and Historical Medical Library, will present a medical display at various museums and historic sites throughout this period.
Look for the yellow flag with the green “H”—the Union Army hospital flag. Dr. Hicks will appear in the uniform of a Union Army surgeon and will interpret how soldiers maintained their health, what happened when they were sick, and how they were cared for in hospitals. Handle an ether mask used during surgery or inspect the tools used to remove bullets! What medicines were used during the war? How did soldiers maintain nutrition when on the march? What were the chances of surviving an amputation? How were soldiers rehabilitated when they recovered? Talk with Dr. Hicks and find out if you have what it takes to be an army doctor!
Many events will happen throughout the Philadelphia area during the next four years. The College is working to develop a new permanent exhibit called Broken Bodies, Suffering Spirits; Injury, Death, and Healing in Civil War Philadelphia. We are also producing a new video series that will showcase the rich Civil War heritage the City of Philadelphia has to share. For the full calendar of College events, click here.
Starting today, you can explore the greater Philadelphia area's role in shaping the conflict that redefined our nation. Step into the lives of the Philadelphians, black as well as white, who participated in all facets of the war. Visit the Civil War History Consortium’s web pages to learn what is going on near you! Click here for more information.
Upcoming Venues—Where to Find Dr. Hicks, Assistant Surgeon, Union Army!
More appearances of Dr Hicks are being scheduled, but mark your calendar for Civil War Hospital Day, Saturday, September 22, 2012. Between 10am and 4pm, The College of Physicians of Philadelphia and the Mütter Museum will become a hospital during the Civil War. Visitors will enter a Philadelphia of 150 years ago when uniformed soldiers were seen on all streets and injured soldiers were transported by the tens of thousands to Philadelphia hospitals. To recreate the atmosphere of wartime Philadelphia, the Medicinal Plants Garden will be tented to shelter medical interpreters and re-enactors and living historians of the 3rd United States Colored Troops, a Philadelphia-raised regiment. The presence of USCT highlights their history and connection to Camp William Penn, the first and largest training center for United States Colored Troops during the war, located just north of Philadelphia. Soldiers will act as a hospital guard detachment: some may drill; others stand guard/sentry duty. Selected medical re-enactors will be invited to present their interpretation of medicines, tools, and techniques. More details coming!
