Science, History Come Together in New Fort Medical Exhibit
By Bernie Nguyen

Joel Hardy of North Muskegon examines a display of 19th century doctor's tools at the opening of "Military Medicine at Mackinac."

Microscopes and rusted medical tools line the walls, with display boards explaining their use so viewers can understand their use and sometimes even try them out. In the front room, a physician applies a smallpox vaccine to a young boy using long-outdated methods. Post Surgeon Dr. Erasmus Wolcott's diagnoses still echo through the rooms of Fort Mackinac's Post Hospital, but now he is a visual

image on a projected screen, and his medical reports are followed by those of a modern surgeon.

Post Hospital, which dates back to 1829 and is the oldest hospital building in Michigan, has been revived to help teach a

new generation about the history of medicine at Fort Mackinac. "Military Medicine at Mackinac," a new, interactive and multimedia exhibit showcasing the Fort's medical history, is housed there, bringing history and science together in one informative display.

As one of Mackinac's landmarks, Post Hospital is a treasure of Michigan, said Mackinac State Historic Parks Chief Curator Steve Brisson, who emphasized that the museum was the perfect venue to tie together the Fort's connections with the community.

"We've all been sick," he said, explaining that this compelling human connection between viewers and the display helps to "uncover common threads" between the soldiers and doctors stationed at Fort Mackinac and the visitors to the museum.

Phil Porter, director of Mackinac State Historic Parks, said that the exhibit creates an opportunity to experience another component of Mackinac history.

"It adds another dimension," he said, explaining that by giving visitors insight to behindthe scenes workings of the medical field at Fort Mackinac, the exhibit also helps anchor the Fort as an integral part of the Island, especially since the surgeons stationed here were often responsible for the health care of the entire community.

"It's another window to history," said Mr. Brisson, adding that he hopes the exhibit will strike a chord with its viewers.

The audio-visual display, which shows Dr. Wolcott juxtaposed against a modern-day doctor, is one of the exhibit's most fascinating components. David Kronberg, the exhibit's designer, said he and others had seen the use of similar technology at other historical museums and felt that this particular exhibit would be the perfect place to use it effectively.

The exhibit has been under construction for about a year, and began with a preliminary history of the site, including research and brainstorming to field the best possibilities for a medical exhibit. The building was restored, and the entire project was made possible by a $134,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal agency that serves as a primary support for libraries and museums across the country.

"Military Medicine at Mackinac" essentially began with a big idea, explained Mr. Kronberg, and then little details and research helped to expand on the story and provide support for the essence of the exhibit.

Mr. Kronberg added that the original concept for the audiovisual display was to use generic descriptions of ailments and treatments common to the period. Further research, however, discovered detailed accounts from Dr. Wolcott's personal records, which allowed Mr. Kronberg and other designers to add extra authenticity to the exhibit by taking the words directly from Dr. Wolcott's original diagnoses.

Mr. Brisson said that by following the image of Dr. Wolcott with that of a modern surgeon, the display allows visitors to compare and contrast today's science with past theories. By giving both perspectives, visitors are better able to understand the real progress that medical science has undergone since the 19th century.

"It really is fascinating," said Cindy Raymond of Fredricksburg, Virginia, who is visiting the Island for the first time. "It's interesting how they relate the past to the present. We're all really enjoying it."

"Military Medicine at Mackinac" officially opened June 14. More than 50 people attended the exhibit's grand opening, with Island physician Dr. Don Weersing cutting a strip of gauze stretched across the entry.