Saving History Saturday: National Museum of Civil War Medicine

The National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick, MD. is currently raising funds for a unique preservation opportunity. The Museum has the chance to preserve and exhibit three rare artifacts from the Civil War.

The first is an authentic Civil War hospital flag. The flag, which belonged to the 19th Massachusetts Infantry, is one of only an estimated dozen still in existence today. The 6’ x 4’ flag, which is standard regulation size, once marked the site of the regiment’s hospital.

The second artifact is a wicker hospital steward’s knapsack, complete with its medical contents.

The final artifact is a “surgeon’s companion,” as known as a hip pack, a compact tool of medical practice of the time. This kit is identified as belonging to a Massachusetts Volunteer Militia unit. It also contains many of its original medical containers.

To acquire, and display, these artifacts, the Museum is currently raising $100,000. A pair of generous supporters contributed the first $25,000, with $75,000 still needed.

To learn more about the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, visit their website.