Living History Demonstration at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine

A lot of focus among medical reenactors involves treating battle wounds, and to a lesser extent, diseases. Few medical displays examine the longer-term ramifications of being wounded or ill and their impact on the Army or society at large. Elaine and Noah hope that by discussing these topics they can help the visitor better understand the evolution of military healthcare in a larger context and how it impacts our service members in the twenty-first century.

The presentation is included with admission to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and FREE for NMCWM members.

Elaine “Wolfie” Kessinger has a life-long love of history and need to bring history alive for others. She has been researching and sharing history for over 20 years. Her interest in female staff for the Army Medical Department comes much as it did for the female staff themselves–a desire to do something at living history events.

Noah Briggs has been reenacting for almost thirty-five years. Twenty of those years involved extensive research into period medical practices. Mr. Briggs portrays either a military surgeon or civilian physician depending upon the historic scenario. Mr. Briggs has lectured at the reenactor seminar called Civilian Celebration in 2018 and lectured two years in a row at Reenactorfest (2011 and 2012). He has consulted on and improved museum displays for Prince William County, Virginia. He is currently a member of the Third U.S. Infantry, Company K, and the U.S. Sanitary Commission (Boston Branch). Mr. Briggs holds a Bachelor’s degree in history, with dual minors in archaeology and art.