Civil War Medicine: Facts & Fiction
Aug 28, 2021
The Gettysburg Foundation will host a free evening program on Civil War medicine from 6-7:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, at the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital. SOLD OUT
The free, ticketed program offers ticket holders a unique perspective on Civil War era medicine. Retired Army Surgeon Bill Pulig will present Civil War Medicine: Facts & Fiction. Guests have the opportunity to hear Pulig present details on how 19th century small town, country doctors transitioned and trained to enable them to become battlefield army surgeons. While familiarizing guests with the daily tasks and realities of a field hospital surgeon, Pulig will also dispel some of the common “Hollywood” myths and fiction that have become familiar in movies. Pulig will take guests on the journey of a wounded soldier from the battlefield aid station to the field hospital to the evacuation hospital and on to the convalescent hospital. Guests will get a glimpse of how wounded soldiers were transported from one hospital to another, how soldiers were treated and eventually returned to their units or homes much as they are today. Guests will learn more about the Army Medical Department functions and practices both past and present.
A Retired Army Surgeon, Pulig will display his collection of antique, Civil War era surgical instruments. He will discuss and demonstrate the famous and infamous surgical procedure - amputation.
"Our final special evening program of this year will be an excellent opportunity to get a new perspective on Civil War era medicine," said Spangler Farm Site Coordinator Paul Semanek. “We’re pleased to have Bill present his knowledge in the medical field at this fitting location – the George Spangler Farm, where many of the treatments and surgical procedures he will discuss were performed during the Battle of Gettysburg," added Semanek.
The evening program is being held at the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital. The gate will open at 5:30 p.m. for ticket holders to explore the meticulously renovated and restored original buildings at this historic site.
Tickets are required in advance for admission to the program. Tickets are free and a suggested donation is requested. Donations benefit ongoing preservation of the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital. Attendance is limited to 40 attendees. Ticket holders may drive directly to the property where on-site parking is available.
Program tickets are available in advance at the ticket counter in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, by calling 877-874-2478 or online at GettysburgFoundation.org. SOLD OUT
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