Published: April 04, 2007 11:46 am         

Civil War Roundtable focuses on medicine used on battlefield

LAVALE - The Civil War Roundtable of Allegany County will hold its April meeting at the LaVale Library on Thursday at 7 p.m.

The program on Civil War medicine will feature George Wunderlich, executive director of the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick.

The state of battlefield medicine during the Civil War was both barbaric and groundbreaking.

At the same time amputations were being done without sterilization, new developments included chloroform and the creation of an ambulance service.

Wunderlich began with the museum in 2000 and became its executive director in 2002. Before moving to Maryland in 1996, he had been involved with several historical and educational programs in Missouri, including working with the National Park Service.

His efforts garnered a number of awards, including one from the Daughters of the American Revolution. Since moving to Maryland, Wunderlich has been involved in projects concerning the Antietam and Gettysburg battlefield sites.

Recent collaborations have included the History Channel and Arts & Entertainment Network.

An accomplished musician, he is active in promoting the art and history of the banjo.

The Civil War Roundtable meets the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the LaVale United Methodist Church. This month's meeting site and time were changed because of the Easter holiday.

Membership includes historians, researchers, collectors, history buffs and re-enactors.

Meetings are open to the public.