DC is known for its museums. We have them in all shapes and sizes and you may have been to a few! But you may not know about this strange museum that is just outside of DC in Silver Spring. If you like bodies, diseases and science, then this museum is for you. The National Museum of Health and Medicine is not for the faint of heart.
The National Museum of Health and Science is run by the Department of Defense and was established during the Civil War as a center for the collection of specimens for research in military medicine.
During the late 19th and 20th centuries, the Museum staff was engaged in medical research, including research on yellow fever and contributed to research on vaccinations for typhoid fever. Today there are working labs inside of the museum.
The museum focuses on many of the advancements made in medicine, but it does get a bit graphic. For instance, there is a part of President Garfield’s spine, showing the path of the bullet that lead to is death is on exhibit.
If you have a weak stomach, you might want to skip this excursion. But if you are interested in medicine, bodies and history, then this is the museum for you!
The National Museum of Health and Medicine is open daily from 10am-5pm. It is free to visit and is located at 2500 Linden Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
