National Museum of Civil War Medicine, Frederick

If you are interested in the Civil War and/or medicine, then this museum to visit. It is quit small and can be viewed in about one, to one and a half hours. If you read EVERYTHING, like me then two and a half hours is needed, (keep in mind that I am a slow reader). The museum has some very good artifacts. The information is also detailed and informative. However this museum suffers from what ALL Pennsylvania museums suffer from; mannequins! I have been to many museums in my life but I have never seen such a prolific use of mannequins like I see here. But all in all some of them were ell worth it and added to the descriptions. There are some drawings, diagrams, photos and even mannequins that may be disturbing to look at. So tread lightly or send out a scout. The gift shop could be better stocked with more appropriate items. The last part of the museum has a time line of military medicine throughout history. There is even a mannequin of a modern day army medic; a nice touch. The employees are helpful and the bathrooms are clean. Worth a visit.

Interesting, but at the same time nothing you can't read about online (with smart researching, of course). It was a lot of reading plaques, a bit scattered, and although fully aware it's a self-guided tour, it wasn't very clear where to go next. Didn't seem to be much flow; no story to tell throughout the journey, if you will. Not terrible, don't get me wrong -- hence the four stars. But let's just say I'm not itching to go back any time soon. I think there's a lot better, more educational options out there. At least from what I've seen (in terms of immersing yourself in history in this area). Perhaps I went into the experience without managing my expectations.