National Museum of Health and Medicine

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National Museum of Health and Medicine

The nation's medical museum since 1862. Official presence of the Natl. Museum of Health & Medicine.
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The National Museum of Health and Medicine, established in 1862, inspires interest in and promotes the understanding of medicine—past, present, and future—with a special emphasis on tri-service American military medicine. As a National Historic Landmark recognized for its ongoing value to the health of the military and to the nation, the Museum identifies, collects, and preserves important and uni

que resources to support a broad agenda of innovative exhibits, educational programs, and scientific, historical, and medical research.

22/01/2025

A (TBI) may be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or penetrating injury to the head.

Don’t let TBI keep you from doing what you love. Be smart while enjoying the great outdoors and reduce your risk of .
- Wear a helmet or appropriate headgear when playing sports, skiing, and snowboarding
- Stick to areas and activities at your skill level
- Even if wearing a helmet, seek immediate medical attention after a fall or hit to the head

21/01/2025

Early systematic research into cold injuries and frostbite were conducted during the Korean War at the U.S. Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility.

These boots, currently displayed, are referred to as Mickey Mouse boots. Their color and large size remind people of a certain, famous cartoon mouse. They were issued to soldiers during the second winter of the Korean War. The insulated boots virtually eliminated frostbite and protected their feet, even when temperatures were as low as -30° F.
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21/01/2025

Whether on duty or at home, prioritize your safety during the winter months. Up your safety knowledge for Winter Safety Month with these tips to keep you safe and healthy as the weather turns cold. www.health.mil/WinterSafety WinterSafetyMonth

21/01/2025

In partnership with Arlington National Cemetery, we honor Surgeon General William A. Hammond for his contributions to military medicine.

As the 11th Surgeon General of the U.S. Army, Hammond revolutionized the Medical Department during the Civil War. Among his achievements is the establishment of the Army Medical Museum (now the National Museum of Health and Medicine). One of his many medical kits is on display.

His resting place at the cemetery serves as a reminder of his enduring impact on history and military care.

Visit us and Arlington National Cemetery to learn more about this pioneering figure with a walking tour: Military Medicine.

Tour Info: https://education.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Portals/2/Medicine-Walking-Tour.pdf?ver=3Dzd_6J_n7Y7XneEUNvIlA%3d%3d
Portrait of Gen. William A. Hammond, Surgeon General of the U.S. Army, 1861-1864. (MIS 61-4774-1)

20/01/2025

Slips and falls on icy terrain pose risks both on and off the battlefield.

Military medicine innovations, such as advanced field splints, ensure injuries are stabilized quickly. Stay steady this winter with proper footwear and awareness.
During winter maneuvers, Pvt. Lowell Randall hit a tree while skiing and suffered a severe leg injury. The leg was splinted with ski poles, Michigan, March 10, 1943. (SC 170257)

20/01/2025

On January 20, 2025, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday will mark the 30th anniversary as a .

This day was established to honor Dr. King's life and legacy and encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.

U.S. Army

20/01/2025

Starting Jan. 20, the season of Aquarius begins!

the traits of Aquarians align with the spirit of discovery found at the National Museum of Health and Medicine? 🌟

From groundbreaking medical advancements to cutting-edge technologies, we celebrate the forward-thinkers who change the world—just like the Aquarians in your life!

19/01/2025

🚨ATTENTION🚨: The National Museum of Health and Medicine will be closing at 1 p.m. today (01/19) due to incoming inclement weather. ❄️

Be careful out there and we will see our visitors soon!

18/01/2025

What has our photographer been shooting? 📸📸📸

Can you guess what object is featured in this macro shot?
Comment with your best guess, and we will post the answer in 24 hours.
January Close-up

17/01/2025

📸It's Museum Selfie Day! 📸

Strike a pose and snap a selfie with your favorite exhibit at the National Museum of Health and Medicine!

Share your selfies with us using to tag us! Let’s celebrate the unique stories that museums bring to life.
NMHM Image

16/01/2025

For January, we spotlight the U.S. Army Hospital Ship D.A. January.

Built in 1857 and purchased by the U.S. Army in 1862, the D.A. January was retrofitted in 1862 and was claimed to be the best designed for a hospital ship in a western theater, according to the ‘Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion’.

The ship was used to transport and care for wounded soldiers and represented a revolutionary approach to battlefield medicine during the Civil War.

The D.A. January model is on display.
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16/01/2025

Today, we remember the start of the First Gulf War and honor the courage and dedication of the service members who answered the call to defend freedom.

15/01/2025

This distinguished hat belonged to Col. Verena Marie Zeller, the first Chief of the Force Nurse Corps, who served from 1949 to 1956.

Hats like this one symbolize not only the professionalism and dedication of military medical personnel, but also the vital role Zeller played as a trailblazing nurse.
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15/01/2025

Cold weather-related injuries, or CWIs, can occur at warmer conditions as high as 60 °F, but are much more common in freezing weather below 32 °F. Learn how you can reduce your risk. ❄️🥶🩼

https://dha.mil/News/2025/01/14/15/21/Cold-Weather-Injuries-Peak-in-January-February

14/01/2025

As the snow falls and winter sports begin, let’s remember to stay safe on the slopes, rinks, and trails. Winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, and ice hockey come with injury risks, including traumatic brain injuries.

TBIs have been a focus of military medicine for decades, with research helping to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This Winter Sports TBI Awareness Month, we encourage everyone to learn more about helmet safety and TBIs with our virtual science café featuring .

Watch Now: https://www.facebook.com/MedicalMuseum/videos/382910491286873

Follow us to stay up to date on the 25th anniversary of brain awareness activities at the museum, including our Brain Awareness Day family event on March 15.

Group of patients sledding at Free Hospital for tuberculosis, in White Haven, Pennsylvania. (AMM 465)

12/01/2025

Join NMHM for a Book Talk with Dr. James Shaw as he presents on the history of specific diseases affecting troop strength and military preparedness from the Revolutionary War to World War II. As Shaw briefly describes each of the main diseases affecting our service members throughout history, he will also explain the relationship between a disease and the factors that cause it and discuss re-emerging diseases in a present-day context.

12/01/2025

📚✨Kick off the New Year with our Lecture Series!✨📚

Join us TODAY, Sunday, Jan. 12 at 2 p.m. for a Book Talk with Dr. James Shaw. He will discuss the history of specific diseases and how they affected troop strength and military preparedness from the Revolutionary War to World War II. As Shaw briefly describes each of the main diseases that affected our service members throughout history, he will also explain the relationship between a disease and the factors that cause it and discuss re-emerging diseases in a present-day context.

🗓️When: Jan. 12, 2025 at 2 p.m.
📍Where: National Museum of Health and Medicine
🔗Details: https://ow.ly/UbVy50UqT6c

See you there!

Address

Opening Hours

Wednesday	10:00 - 17:30
Thursday	10:00 - 17:30
Friday	10:00 - 17:30
Saturday	10:00 - 17:30
Sunday	10:00 - 17:30

Telephone

+13013193300

Website

https://medicalmuseum.health.mil/

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Videos

Medical Museum January Lecture Series: Historical Diseases From a Modern Perspective–The American (Military) Experience

Today marks the first day of winter! As the days grow shorter and the air gets crisper, we want to remind our visitors that our doors are open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. #FirstDayOfWinter . . . NMHM Graphic