Broken Bodies, Suffering Spirits

Join museum director, Robert Hicks, in this 9-part miniseries that explores the vital role of people, places, and events in Civil War era Philadelphia.

"Broken Bodies, Suffering Spirits" Part 9: Medical Legacy

In the final episode, host, Robert Hicks, revisits the Grand Army of the Republic Museum and Library. Dr. Hicks recounts the unprecedented medical and surgical advancements of the Civil War, from mobile hospitals, ambulances, and nursing to the establishment of medical specialties.

"Broken Bodies, Suffering Spirits" Part 8: Illness and Medicines

Episode 8 explores the treatment of specific illnesses, from pharmacies to cupping, vaccination, and the many uses of various medicines.

"Broken Bodies, Suffering Spirits" Part 7: Wounds and Surgery

Episode 7 features the famous Thomas Eakins painting, "The Gross Clinic". Historians discuss Gettysburg, Antietam, and the tasks of emergency surgery during battle.

"Broken Bodies, Suffering Spirits" Part 6: United States Colored Troops (USCT)

Episode 6 features the introduction of Black Soldiers into the Union Army: the United States Colored Troops

"Broken Bodies, Suffering Spirits" Part 5: Sanitary Fair

Episode 5: Host Robert Hicks stops at Logan Circle to explain the magnitude of Sanitary Fairs. These massive fundraising efforts were coordinated almost entirely by women’s coalitions and were the number one source of financial aid during wartime.

"Broken Bodies, Suffering Spirits" Part 1: Introduction

Please join Museum director Robert Hicks as he takes you on a reminiscent journey through Civil War Philadelphia. This series explores the staggering progression of medicine, birth of the modern hospital, and the immense public effort that brought it all to fruition. Episode 1 features one of the most significant writers in American history, Walt Whitman.

"Broken Bodies, Suffering Spirits" Part 2: A Hospital City

Please join Museum director Robert Hicks as he takes you on a reminiscent journey through Civil War Philadelphia. This series explores the staggering progression of medicine, birth of the modern hospital, and the immense public effort that brought it all to fruition. Episode 2 features the groundbreaking work of Civil War hospitals.

"Broken Bodies, Suffering Spirits" Part 3: Doctors

Please join Museum director Robert Hicks as he takes you on a reminiscent journey through Civil War Philadelphia. This series explores the staggering progression of medicine, birth of the modern hospital, and the immense public effort that brought it all to fruition. Episode 3 features the groundbreaking work of Civil War surgeons that founded Neurology.

"Broken Bodies, Suffering Spirits" Part 4: Nurses

Please join Museum director Robert Hicks as he takes you on a reminiscent journey through Civil War Philadelphia. This series explores the staggering progression of medicine, birth of the modern hospital, and the immense public effort that brought it all to fruition. Episode 4 features the contributions by women to the advancement of medicine during the Civil War.

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