National Museum of Civil War Medicine
National Museum of Civil War Medicine
4.5
About
The National Museum of Civil War Medicine is the premier center for the study and research of medical innovation during the American Civil War. Exhibits, programs lecture and research facilities look at innovations in science, medical logistics, medical organization, nursing, civilian medical relief and much more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
467 reviews
Excellent
264
Very good
176
Average
21
Poor
3
Terrible
3
Fritz C
3 contributions
Oct 2022
My wife and I had the pleasure of touring the Pry House on the Antietam battlefield recently. Rachel was an exceptional hostess during our visit. Rachel could not have been more accommodating, answering our many questions as to the house history and exhibits there. We also had the added pleasure of touring the large, well preserved barn on the property, which was used as a field hospital during and after the battle there. Rachel was very passionate with her talk and her level of knowledge and delivery was very admirable. After finishing up our next day at Harpers Ferry - we approached Mr. Chris Reed, the Tours and Coordinator for the Museum complex, for a tour of the site in Frederick, MD the very next day on our travel back home. Chris was able to entertain us, at very short notice, and we made the trip there. The museum location in Frederick, which served as an embalming and mortuary during the civil war period was also exceptional. Great care and talent have been used to display and re-enact period era civil war medicine in painstaking detail. We spent well over an hour there and enjoyed ourselves immensely. Chris also made us feel right at home. We very much appreciated the friendly, non-hurried atmosphere and the high level of professionalism. We highly recommend both locations for a visit.
Written October 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
upthehudson
Kingston, NY103 contributions
Jul 2021
What an interesting stop this proved to be! It's a smallish museum in what is basically a storefront. And what it lacks in ambitious multi-media effects, it makes up for with untaught history and graphic descriptions of what proved to be a turning point in medicine we now take for granted.
You set your own pace. There are occasional interactive displays and revelations about influencers who are still spoken about today. The staff was eager to assist. We came out with a greater appreciation and understanding of the circumstances the 19th century medical professionals confronted.
And yes, there is even a small souvenir shop!
You set your own pace. There are occasional interactive displays and revelations about influencers who are still spoken about today. The staff was eager to assist. We came out with a greater appreciation and understanding of the circumstances the 19th century medical professionals confronted.
And yes, there is even a small souvenir shop!
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Happy Trails, Mary
Indianapolis, IN287 contributions
Oct 2021
I love finding and exploring museums that are out of the ordinary, and this was definitely one of them. I was surprised by all the information and artifacts in this museum. I learned a lot about medicine and medical practices during the Civil War. I'm grateful medicine and medical practices have vastly improved! This is an incredible place to visit.
Written October 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bennett S
4 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Small museum, and both interesting and detailed on the specific subject matter. However, I had a friend visiting from another country and for the price, $18 for 2, she thought it was high compared to the National Air and Space Museum and the National Gallery of Art which are both huge and completely free. Don't think I will return. Honestly, unless you are a civil war buff, it was a little boring.
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We're sorry you didn't feel you got the best value for your money. If you ever come by again, we would love to give you a guided tour to help the subject come alive a bit more for you. We might be a smaller organization than the Smithsonian (we are a private non-profit), but we feel the story of Civil War medicine can be as impactful if given the chance.
Written March 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
deebug2470
Pittsburgh, PA3,427 contributions
Dec 2019
While staying in nearby Herndon, Va we did a day trip to see this museum. It was well worth it. It’s located in a quaint little town. Our tour was self-guided for the most part but a guide takes the elevator to the top with you. After that he gives you information and explains the museum. As you go room to room working your way down to the main floor he was with us in the room to answer questions and some rooms spoke to our group explaining things.
Written November 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Barbara_A462
Washington DC, DC77 contributions
Apr 2021
What a cool little museum. Privately owned, lovingly curated. There was so much to see and read, it took about 2 hours to go through. The exhibits provided not only a good history of medicine during the war, but also interesting information about medical schools, education of women, and descriptions of nursing at the time. Well worth a visit.
Written April 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Travelmaint
Princeton, Illinois290 contributions
Oct 2022
This our first visit to this museum, which was recommended to us by highway Welcome Center staff. It's right in Frederick, so it's a bit congested in the area. We found it to be very interesting/informative, and really put a perspective on Civil War medical care, and advancements that were made because of it. It also dispelled the myth(s) about medical "butchery", and how/why things were done back then. We would recommend a visit if you're in the area.
Written October 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tanner12oz
pittsburgh133 contributions
Aug 2022
very affordable with a ton of information. i spent a solid 2 hours here and had to leave cuz they were closing. i would say not great for kids cuz it was alot of reading but if your into medicine, civil war or simply information its a great place.
Written August 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cynderella43
Fort Lauderdale, Florida538 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
We were visiting Frederick and went to this museum after seeing it highlighted on Mysteries At The Museum.
The Museum is two-stories and is laid out in a manner that is easy to follow. It depicts the trials and tribulations of trying to save the soldiers of the Civil War. You get a good sense of the pain and suffering the soldiers must have endured, especially all the amputations they performed without any anesthesia...ouch!
It also highlights such stars as Carla Barton, who founded the American Red Cross, Harriett Tubman,various other African American Nurses, multiple surgeons, and the unsung heroes of the war.
It was very well done and easy to follow along. I would highly recommend it if you are in the area or a Civil War buff.
PS - If this review was useful, please click the HELPFUL button on your phone or you can click the THANK YOU button on your computer. I'd appreciate it! :-D
The Museum is two-stories and is laid out in a manner that is easy to follow. It depicts the trials and tribulations of trying to save the soldiers of the Civil War. You get a good sense of the pain and suffering the soldiers must have endured, especially all the amputations they performed without any anesthesia...ouch!
It also highlights such stars as Carla Barton, who founded the American Red Cross, Harriett Tubman,various other African American Nurses, multiple surgeons, and the unsung heroes of the war.
It was very well done and easy to follow along. I would highly recommend it if you are in the area or a Civil War buff.
PS - If this review was useful, please click the HELPFUL button on your phone or you can click the THANK YOU button on your computer. I'd appreciate it! :-D
Written August 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
fiestylady
Long Island, NY192 contributions
I Visited Frederick a few weeks ago and stopped by to see this museum since there was nothing to do in the town itself. Im glad that I did. My friends and I were totally enthralled with this place. If your a big Civil War buff you will definately enjoy this museum. Lots of reading so be prepared! It will take you some time to go through the exibits, but its so worth it! So many things I never knew about Civil War medicine. I definately recommend this place while visiting Frederick.
Written August 20, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
culturevulture4
Charlotte Hall, MD58 contributions
Is this museum accessible? Is there an elevator?
betty k
Frederick, MD10 contributions
Yes it is accessible and there is an elevator
National Museum of Civil War Medicine, Frederick
Frequently Asked Questions about National Museum of Civil War Medicine
- National Museum of Civil War Medicine is open:
- Sun - Sun 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Sat - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking National Museum of Civil War Medicine tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 National Museum of Civil War Medicine tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near National Museum of Civil War Medicine:
- (0.13 mi) RETREAT on the CREEK - Businees Travelor or Weekend Getaway. HISTORIC DISTRICT.
- (0.44 mi) 10 Clarke Place
- (0.19 mi) Charming Apartment In Historic Downtown Frederick
- (0.44 mi) Hollerstown Hill Bed and Breakfast
- (0.28 mi) Hill House Bed and Breakfast
- Restaurants near National Museum of Civil War Medicine:
- (0.04 mi) Maxwell's Kitchen
- (0.06 mi) The Wine Kitchen on the Creek
- (0.04 mi) JoJo's Restaurant & Tap House
- (0.06 mi) Sabor de Cuba
- (0.06 mi) Sumittra