The Museum of Medical History will be closed Monday, September 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day.

 Step back in time and explore the fascinating world of medicine at the Museum of Medical History, where science, innovation, and human resilience come to life. This extraordinary museum traces the evolution of medicine from the mid-1800s to the present day, with a special focus on our region’s unique contributions.

Wander through themed exhibits that reveal the story of medical progress, from the mysterious potions of patent medicines and early pharmacology to breakthroughs in antibiotics, surgery, nursing, and radiology. Discover the intrigue of quackery, the wisdom of Asian medicine, and the triumphs of modern diagnosis and therapy.

Among the museum’s larger, awe-inspiring artifacts is a fully functioning 1950s iron lung, a massive, gleaming cylinder that once offered a lifeline to patients paralyzed by polio. Standing before it, you can almost hear the rhythmic hiss of air that kept its occupants alive for weeks, months, or even years. The iron lung serves as both a marvel of mid-century engineering and a poignant reminder of the human stories behind medical innovation.

Other highlights include a recreated turn-of-the-century doctor’s office, Civil War amputation kits, and striking examples of medical art that blend science and creativity. Marvel at a collection of 19th-century instruments, bleeding cups, ether masks, and medicines laced with mercury, arsenic, and strychnine, that tell a gripping story of both danger and discovery. The museum also houses an extensive library of rare medical textbooks and journals, offering a glimpse into the minds of the pioneers who shaped modern medicine.