Surgeons of the Civil War: Surgery & Medicine from 1861-1865

Join us on May 31st and June 1st for a special IMSS event! We are excited to welcome back the 17th Corps Field Hospital for two days of demonstrations and displays aimed at sharing the realities of surgery and medicine during the American Civil War.

(Please note the schedule of demonstrations is subject to change)

The day will feature...

• A "Touch Table" where Museum-goers will be able to pickup and hold historical items.
• Weather instruments! Surgeons of the Civil War often moonlighted as meteorologists.
• A display of surgical instruments from 1860-1865
• Displays of Civil War era medicine where you can discuss the efficacy of period concoctions with the pharmacist.
• An undertaker who will share the instruments needed for embalming - and he'll bring along his origninal cooling table too!

Admission

We're offering special rates for this event! Admission costs cover your entire visit to the Museum - come for the Civil War Era surgery, stay for the x-rays and more!

Early Bird Sales (Ends 5/15/2025):

$20 - GA

$15 - Students, Seniors, Military & Educators (Valid ID will be requested at check-in)

$13 - Children

Family Early Bird Special Package - $55 for a family of two adults and up to 3 children!

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Admission Starting 5/16/25 and at Door:

$25 - GA

$18 - $16 - Students, Seniors, Military & Educators (Valid ID will be requested at check-in)

$15 - Children

Info: A demonstration showcasing Civil War Era Anesthesia of the patient.

Info: Demonstration of surgical techniques during pre-Germ Theory age.

Info: Demonstration of the embalming process if the patient dies during the operation.  

Info: A demonstration showcasing Civil War Era Anesthesia of the patient.

Info: Demonstration of surgical techniques during pre-Germ Theory age.

Info: Demonstration of the embalming process if the patient dies during the operation.  

Info: A demonstration showcasing Civil War Era Anesthesia of the patient.

Info: Demonstration of surgical techniques during pre-Germ Theory age.

Info: Demonstration of the embalming process if the patient dies during the operation.  

Info: A demonstration showcasing Civil War Era Anesthesia of the patient.

Info: Demonstration of surgical techniques during pre-Germ Theory age.

Info: Demonstration of the embalming process if the patient dies during the operation.  

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

International Museum of Surgical Science, 1524 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, United States