Facebook Live – Dr. Jonathan Letterman’s Civil War

COVID-19 and closures won’t stop us from sharing the incredible lessons we can learn from studying medical care during the Civil War!

Join us on Monday, September 14 at 4:00 PM on Facebook Live for a virtual program hosted by the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. You can tune in live by visiting facebook.com/civilwarmed/live at the scheduled time.

Director of Interpretation, Jake Wynn, will give an in depth look at the many medical innovations of Dr. Jonathan Letterman. Few officers had as much impact on the well-being of soldiers during the Civil War as Major Jonathan Letterman. The wiry medical officer from southwestern Pennsylvania took on the role of Medical Director of the Army of the Potomac in the summer of 1862. Over the subsequent 18 months, Letterman completely transformed how that army cared for its wounded. Letterman established an organized ambulance corps, oversaw the training of stretcher bearers, redeveloped how battlefield hospitals were established, and implemented systems that encouraged accountability and professionalization among the army’s medical personnel. Letterman and his surgeons saved countless lives during the conflict, and their ability to adapt in the face of horrific carnage and overwhelming challenges revolutionized battlefield medicine. This presentation will examine Major Letterman’s legacy, built during his time with the Army of the Potomac from July 1862 to December 1863.

Like these programs? Consider supporting our efforts by becoming a member or donating to the Museum! Your efforts ensure that we can continue sharing the story of Civil War medicine in this crucial time. In history, we can find hope amid our struggle against COVID-19.