Before Letterman – Medical Director Charles S. Tripler

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 Wednesday, October 7 at 2:00 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.

Education Coordinator John Lustrea will talk about his research into the early career of Surgeon Charles S. Tripler. As the first Medical Director of the Army of the Potomac, it was Tripler’s job to ensure that both the raw recruits and surgeons adhered to the best medical practices of the day. While his successor, Jonathan Letterman, is better remembered for revolutionizing battlefield medicine, Tripler himself faced a gigantic challenge in creating and streamlining the medical organization of the largest army the United States had ever seen. Send us your questions in advance on Facebook or by email (john.lustrea@civilwarmed.321staging.com) and tune in to the Museum’s Facebook page for what is sure to be a fascinating conversation. During this FREE program, you’ll hear about different aspects of healthcare on the front lines and in hospitals during the most destructive conflict in our nation’s history that continues impact us today. We are here to answer your questions about Civil War medical care!

John Lustrea is the Education Coordinator and the Website Manager at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. He earned his Master’s degree in Public History from the University of South Carolina. Mr. Lustrea previously worked at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park during the summers of 2013-2016.

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.