Family program looks at Civil War medicine - Sept. 12, 15

Thursday, August 29, 2013

photo The Chattanooga History Center.

Reservations are due today, Sept. 12, for a Chattanooga History Center program that gives family members a chance to explore history together.

"From the Journal of a Confederate Nurse," for adults and children 8 and older, will be presented from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15.

The program will be led by CHC history educator Caroline Sunderland, who will be dressed as Civil War nurse Kate Cumming, whose journals have provided invaluable information on medical practices of the era, according to CHC officials.

In 1862, as the Union Army moved toward Chattanooga, Cumming moved south into Georgia, where she worked at several locations tending the Southern wounded. She continued to move with the front line of battle throughout the war. She recorded in her journal the work performed in the wartime hospitals, including the field tent hospitals.

The program will include an examination of the authentic Civil War field surgeon's kit to be used in the CHC's new exhibit, still under construction at 2 W. Aquarium Way.

The fee is $10 for one parent and one child ($5 for CHC members). Call 423-265-3247 to register.