National Museum of Civil War Medicine

The NMCWM covers two floors and nine galleries. The galleries feature life-like displays depicting medical-related scenes and a collection of more than 1,500 original artifacts. Information panels throughout the museum describe various aspects of Civil War medicine, including innovations that continue to save lives today, as well as the conditions of daily life for soldiers and surgeons. Guided tours are available from Monday through Friday and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

• There is an admission fee, which is discounted for seniors, military members, and students. Children under nine go free.

• The museum’s exhibits are accessible by stairs and elevators.

• Only service animals are permitted inside the exhibits. However, pet dogs are welcome in the museum’s store.

The National Museum of Civil War Medicine is in downtown Frederick, Maryland. It is a 1-hour drive from either Baltimore or Washington DC and paid parking is available in a garage behind the museum. From Baltimore’s Penn Station or Washington’s Union Station, you can take the MARC train to the BWI Thurgood Marshall Amtrak station, from where you can take the Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service to downtown Frederick.

The museum is open year-round, seven days a week. Opening hours are from mid-morning until early evening, with the last entry to the galleries one hour before closing time. The museum is closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, and closes early on New Year’s Eve.

Researchers who want to dig deeper into Civil War medicine can visit the museum’s Bettie Delaplaine Research Center, home to hundreds of books and other resources pertaining to Civil War medicine and related topics. Appointments must be made at least two business days in advance.