Museum Closed for Private Event

The National Museum of Civil War Medicine will be closed to the public for a private event. The Museum store will be open regular operating hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 East Patrick Street, Frederick, MD, 21705

Museum Closed for Cleaning and Maintenance

The National Museum of Civil War Medicine will be closed January 12-14, 2026, for cleaning and maintenance. We will resume regular operating hours on Thursday, January 15 at 10 a.m.

National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 East Patrick Street, Frederick, MD, 21705

How Civil War Medicine Killed President James Garfield

When an assassin’s bullet struck James Garfield in July 1881, the battle to save the president’s life began. In the weeks that followed, doctors argued over how to treat the stricken executive. In the end, Dr. D. Willard Bliss, a former Civil War surgeon, took control o......More

When an assassin’s bullet struck James Garfield in July 1881, the battle to save the president’s life began. In the weeks that followed, doctors argued over how to treat the stricken executive. In the end, Dr. D. Willard Bliss, a former Civil War surgeon, took control of Garfield’s recovery and controversy has surrounded his role ever since. Historian Jake Wynn will discuss the history of Garfield’s recovery and how antiquated techniques learned by Dr. Bliss during his Civil War experience played a role in James Garfield’s death in September 1881. Jake Wynn is the Senior Marketing and Communications Manager at Visit Frederick and the former National Museum of Civil War Medicine Director of Interpretation. He is a 2015 graduate of Hood College, with degrees in history and communications arts. He has formerly worked with Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, and the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area. The presentation is included with admission to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and FREE for NMCWM members.    

National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 East Patrick Street, Frederick, MD, 21705