Society Preserves Civil War Medical History (original) (raw)

2003, British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

The Society of Civil War Surgeons was formed in 1980 by six medical reenactors who felt that there was a need to open communications among those who did this specialty in the hobby. Today, the society boasts of over 350 members throughout the United States, as well as in Australia, Canada, and England. It is the largest organization of its kind dedicated to the study of Civil War era medicine. The society was incorporated in the State of Ohio in 1990 as a non-profit, educational corporation and is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt group. Organized solely to educate the general public as to the study of medicine as it existed during the American Civil War era (Mexican War through the Indian Wars), the Society covers all aspects of medicine, especially surgery, the treatment of disease, and the treatment of the sick and wounded. This is accomplished through research by Society members, publications, and living history exhibitions and lectures during Civil War reenactments. The specific goal of the Society of Civil War Surgeons is to promote, both for its members and the general public, a deep and abiding appreciation for the rich heritage of the Civil War era. To accomplish this, the Society will foster fellowship, provide a continuing forum for education and the exchange of information, and provide communications among people who have similar interests. The Society will serve as a resource for those seeking authoritative information on Civil War era medical and surgical practices. The Society has been represented at most of the larger anniversary reenactment events since the 1980s. Members have also appeared in many of the big screen film productions on the Civil War, as well as numerous conventions, association meetings, and on the Arts & Entertainment channel's Civil War Journal. Members have also served as advisors to several television productions. The Society endeavors to help those develop and/or enhance their portrayal of a Civil War era medical professional through meetings, the society's quarterly publication, The Journal of Civil War Medicine, encampments, living histories, and the networking among members and other interested persons. The Journal of Civil War Medicine, published quarterly, consists of reprints of original articles that were written by the actual participants, articles written specifically for the journal and peer reviewed, and articles that have appeared in other publications for which reprint permission has been obtained.