Exhibit Epidemics: Diseases Gone Wild

Visit BAMA’s newest exhibit Epidemics: Diseases Gone Wild.

Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the worldwide Spanish Flu epidemic that made its way to rural Anderson County by spring of 1919, this exhibit explores the cultural and medical repercussions of this 20th Century epidemic and celebrates the medical advances in all areas of the health care industry since then.

Artifacts on display include vintage or antique items involving the dental, medical, ocular, chiropractic, and laboratory occupations, to show how medical practices have changed over the years. A collection of 18th and 19th century medical tools and a re-creation of a mid-century delivery room from Dr. McIlwain’s practice are centerpieces of the exhibit.

See a real human skull, look through an ocular device, evaluate teeth molds and Civil War dental tools, and view early medicines and compounds created by pharmacists and used by medical practitioners.

Hands-on displays will allow visitors to try out vintage medical equipment such as a stethoscope and tuning fork, complete a medical chart, decorate a surgical mask, try reviving a CPR dummy, and play a game of Operation.

Sponsored by the City of Belton HTAX and Anderson County ATAX, the exhibit will be on display through August 24.

Museum Hours are Wednesday – Friday, 9 -2, and Saturday 10 – 12. For more information or to arrange a group tour, please contact Abigail Burden, beltonmuseum@bellsouth.net or by phone at 864-338-7400.