The museum originally functioned as a repository for pathological specimens collected by Union Army surgeons during the American Civil War.
It holds a collection of medical instruments used by physicians to treat President Abraham Lincoln after his assassination in 1865.
The collection features the bullet that killed President Abraham Lincoln, along with fragments of his skull and hair.
It houses a massive collection of Civil War-era photographs that represent some of the earliest systematic documentation of wartime medical trauma.
The museum’s anatomy collection includes specimens illustrating the effects of various diseases and injuries on human tissue.
The facility maintains a research library containing rare books and medical archives dating back to the mid-19th century.
It was formerly located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., before moving to its current facility in Silver Spring.
The museum contains rare antique medical equipment, including 19th-century field kits and early prosthetic devices.
Some exhibits provide a detailed look at the history of forensic pathology in the United States military.
The museum serves as an official repository for the Department of Defense's medical artifacts.
The National Museum of Health and Medicine features an extensive collection of medical artifacts, anatomical specimens, and historical military medical equipment. Founded during the Civil War in 1862 as the Army Medical Museum, it focuses on the history of medicine, forensic science, and pathology. The collection includes thousands of human biological specimens, including skeletal remains and preserved organs, designed for educational study. Exhibits trace the evolution of military medicine, detailing advancements in wound management, prosthetics, and surgical techniques from the 19th century to the present. The museum is located in Silver Spring, Maryland, on the campus of the Forest Glen Annex of Fort Detrick. Visitors can view historical medical photographs and a significant collection of microscopes. The institution serves as a center for research into public health and the impacts of combat on the human body.
The historical medical artifact displays, which offer clear, well-lit views of unique antique surgical tools.
Bring a government-issued photo ID as it is required for site access.
Prepare for a somber experience, as some exhibits display human remains and graphic pathological specimens.
Check the official website for current entry protocols, as base access requirements can change periodically.
Do not attempt to arrive without a valid, government-issued photo ID, as security will deny entry to the facility.
Closed on federal holidays.
Maintain a respectful demeanor given the presence of human remains; photography policies vary by exhibit, so look for signage.
