Voluntary Veil: The Canadian Voluntary Aid Detachment in the First World War
Before the mid 19th century, women had a discreet but ever-present role on the battlefield, mostly as camp followers. When women such as Florence Nightingale started to demonstrate the value of military nurses, armies began to slowly, but surely assign them to their medical services.
Vaccines and Immunization: Epidemics, Prevention, and Canadian Innovation
There is significant public debate over the merits and risk of vaccinations, much of which is fueled by inflammatory rhetoric rather than facts and science. This debate has raged ever since the first vaccine for smallpox was proposed by Dr. Edward Jenner in the 1790s and, doubtless, it will continue as new vaccines are developed.
Reflections on Friendly Fire
Friendly Fire is a project developed by the Agnes Etherington Art Centre in collaboration with the Museum of Health Care engaging the power of the artist as a story teller and synthesizer. The artist, Howie Tsui investigated health and medicine during the war of 1812. The resulting exhibition illuminates the brutal conditions of the body in war and the medical techniques of the period.
Collections Corner: Waterloo Teeth
Have you ever thought about where dentures come from? Archaeologists have found evidence of denture use dating back to 700 BCE. The best dentures available in Europe before the late 19th century had a carved base and molars of ivory with real human incisors and cuspids.
Family Activity Packs: free fun without an appointment
Throughout my summer working at the Museum of Health Care, I have developed a set of Family Activity Packs. My intention with this project was to create free, age-appropriate experiences for families who casually visit the Museum.
Thank you for your Patronage to our Hall of Honour Exhibits at Kingston General Hospital
Over the past twenty years the Museum of Health Care has created exhibits for the Kingston General Hospital’s Hall of Honour. Recently KGH staff is working on a new redesign of this area and as part of that design process asked the museum to remove the exhibits for construction and carpet removal due to begin in July 2011.