Recently, I did some light research on operating table design. I was looking for changes in design and materials so that I could help a researcher date their newly-acquired artifact. What I found was that after about 1920, operating tables didn't change much. They all looked about the same and had similar features. The biggest… Continue reading If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
Anyone want to try out the Iron Lung?
Its time to announce an exciting addition to the Rose Melnick Medical Museum- a replica iron lung! Right now its still under construction, but it should be ready to go in April. Once its installed in the "Life in the Lung" exhibit, visitors will be able to go inside and experience what it felt like… Continue reading Anyone want to try out the Iron Lung?
Virtue, Vice, and Contraband: A history of contraception in America
On Monday, March 26th the Rose Melnick Medical Museum is pleased to present Jim Edmonson, curator of the Dittrick Medical History Center, for a presentation on their newest exhibit- "Virtue, Vice, and Contraband: A history of contraception in America." This exhibit presents a multifaceted look at the issue of contraception, through a wide range of… Continue reading Virtue, Vice, and Contraband: A history of contraception in America
Women’s role in the Civil War
Last month, the museum hosted Dr. Kelly Selby, assistant professor of history at Walsh University. The audio of her presentation "Ohio Women and the Civil War Homefront" can be accessed here. She made a compelling argument that women's contributions to the war were important and had an impact on its outcome. Women all over the… Continue reading Women’s role in the Civil War
Ohio Women in the Civil War
Dr. Kelly Selby will give a presentation about role of Ohio women during the Civil War on Wednesday, October 19th at 7PM. Admission to the museum and presentation are free. Ohio’s political and military importance to the Union victory are widely known, but often less understood is the vital contribution made by the state’s female… Continue reading Ohio Women in the Civil War
Radio interview
Last week I had my first radio interview! It was for the Ohio Reading Radio Service, which is a special radio station that reads newspapers and magazines to blind people. I did 2 half hour segments for their "Insights" show. We talked about my educational background, the museum collection, and plans to make the exhibits… Continue reading Radio interview
A Yacht, A Mustache: How a President Hid His Tumor
In 1893, President Grover Cleveland noticed a lump on the top of his mouth. It grew over the next few months and was diagnosed as cancer. The physician recommended that it be removed as soon as possible. However, President Cleveland did not want to alarm the county by announcing that he had cancer. The U.S.… Continue reading A Yacht, A Mustache: How a President Hid His Tumor
Dr. Thomson’s Color Stick
Between 1880 and 1899, the Railway Statistics of America recorded that 44,620 people had been injured or killed due to railway carelessness. It was discovered that colorblind railroad employees who could not see the different safety signal lights caused many of the accidents. The railroad companies needed a way to quickly and easily test all… Continue reading Dr. Thomson’s Color Stick
Reflections from a museum assistant
I thought it was time to include another voice on this blog, so I invited a part-time worker to write about her experiences at the Museum. She is a sophomore History student at Youngstown State University. Her first entry is about the cataloging project we're doing together. With an open mind I entered the Rose… Continue reading Reflections from a museum assistant
We’re on YouTube!
The Rose Melnick Medical Museum now as a YouTube channel! You can find a short video describing the museum, our collections, and an interview with the curator here: General tour and interview We also have a new video which talks about the general evolution of medical practice in America using the city of Youngstown, OH… Continue reading We’re on YouTube!
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