The Clendening History of Medicine Museum

Under the auspices of the Department of History and Philosophy of Medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center, the Clendening History of Medicine Museum houses one of the nation’s finest collections of rare and classical medical works of art and artifacts.

The Museum, largely focusing on late nineteenth and early twentieth century American medicine, carries a special emphasis on Kansas medicine from that period.  There are significant, and growing collections, devoted to American Civil War medicine, World War I and World War II medicine, and twentieth century anesthesiology.  Medicine from the Ancient World is also represented in the Museum inventory, including notable collections of Etruscan, Roman, Babylonian, Egyptian, Chinese, Japanese, and pre-Columbian artifacts.  Representations of artistic skill include original paintings, lithographs, Japanese and Chinese woodblock prints and other genres from many countries.

The Clendening History of Medicine Foyer regularly features exhibits drawn from the Museum’s collections, as well as collaborative exhibits celebrating KU Medical Center’s Diversity Initiative.  Often in partnership with the KUMC Archives, significant exhibits have included: A History of Surgery at the KU School of Medicine, A History of Anesthesia in Kansas, Civil War Medicine, A History of the KU School of Nursing, Chinese Medicine, Native American issues, Black History, and revolving exhibits covering works of art by mentally, physically and developmentally disabled people.  The museum also has a variety of traveling exhibits it makes available to other venues.

Traveling exhibits currently include: 

• Walter Sutton, MD: Renowned surgeon and the discoverer of the chromosomal theory of heredity. 
• First 12 women graduates of the KU School of Medicine.
• KU School of Medicine’s 77th Evacuation Hospital.
• Desegregation of the KU School of Medicine.
• Curiosity Cabinet:  The Western Museum Association and The Clendening History of Medicine Museum Present A Celebration of the Odd, Unusual, and Wonderful!
• KU School of Nursing Centennial.
• KU School of Medicine Centennial.
• Chinese Public Health Posters (ca. 1930s).
• Chinese Public Health Posters – Children’s version (ca. 1930-1950s).
  
• The Flexner Report – 100 Years.

The exhibits, other than the Flexner Report, consist of 10 panel each, with dimensions of ??? The only cost for hosting a traveling exhibit is shipping.  Contact Nancy Hulston at 913-588-7243 or nhulston@kumc.edu for further information.

The collections and exhibits in the Clendening Museum at the University of Kansas Medical Center signify a major focus for viewing the multi-dimensionality of the history of medicine, and exert a vital and sustaining influence on research and scholarship in the field nationally and internationally.  These accomplishments over decades have made the Department of History and Philosophy of Medicine a widely recognized and influential center in the academic and scholarly community.

Contact info:
Nancy J. Hulston
913-588-7243
nhulston@kumc.edu

Back to the Top | HPMD Home Page