Civil War 150 in Greater Philadelphia
One hundred fifty years ago, the fall of Fort Sumter marked the beginning of the American Civil War. Four years later, the war ended with the surrender of Confederate forces. The medical Civil War, however, is still happening. When you see an ambulance take an injured person to a hospital for emergency treatment, you are seeing Civil War medicine. This system did not exist before the war. The war created the organization for hospital-based care that we have today.
Many commemorative events will happen throughout the Philadelphia region between 2011 and 2015. During 2013, the College will open a new permanent exhibit called Broken Bodies, Suffering Spirits; Injury, Death, and Healing in Civil War Philadelphia. Visit this page for previews of exhibit artifacts, images, or specimens from time to time. 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.
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 to learn what is going on near you! Also visit the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s web pages on the war.Upcoming Venues—Where to Find Dr. Hicks, Assistant Surgeon, Union Army!
Event: 150th Anniversary of the Founding of Camp William Penn
Where: Village of La Mott, Cheltenham Township, 1618 Willow Avenue, Cheltenham, PA 19027
Date: Saturday, September 21, 2013
Time: 10am to 4pm
Description of event: Citizens for the Restoration of Historic La Mott celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of Camp William Penn, the first and largest training camp for African American soldiers during the Civil War. Day-long events include demonstrations, a parade, exhibits, speakers, walking tours, films, and other activities, including an encampment of re-enactors of the 3rd and 6th Regiments, United States Colored Troops. Dr. Hicks will demonstrate Civil War medical tools and discuss health and healing during the war, with emphasis on the treatment of black soldiers.
For further information: Visit www.usct.org for information as the program is developed, or call (215) 885-2258 or email pt@usct.org.
Event: Hospital Day
Where: The College of Physicians of Philadelphia
Date: Saturday, October 19, 2013
Time: 10am to 4pm
Description of event: Visitors to the museum 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. Re-enactors and living historians of the 3rd United States Colored Troops, a Philadelphia-raised regiment, will be present to highlight the story of African American soldiers during the Civil War and their connection to Camp William Penn, the first and largest training center for United States Colored Troops during the war, located just north of Philadelphia. Museum visitors will see soldiers drilling, interview them about the history of USCT, soldiers’ health and well-being, and investigate medical presentations on surgery, diet, hospitals, and pharmacy. Family activities include making Civil War medicines and producing medicines from plants—tonics to refresh the wounded or ill soldiers—and handling replica Civil War medical tools. Dr. Hicks will be present throughout the event.
For further information: Stay tuned to the College events calendar.
Dr. Hicks may be available to make a presentation or give a talk on various topics associated with Civil War medicine. If your institution is interested, contact him via: info@collegeofphysicians.org.
Broken Bodies, Suffering Spirits: Injury, Death, and Healing in Civil War Philadelphia is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.
