The Museum of Health Care (MHC) shows how Canadians have preserved health and managed disease, pain and suffering. The Museum strives to connect visitors of all ages with the experience of people in past times and provide context and perspective on today's health issues. Our blog is regularly updated with interesting and insightful entries by MHC staff and volunteers. Learn more about who we are and what we're working on. We welcome your feedback and comments.
Where did smallpox and its many less famous cousins come from?
Molecular anthropologists Dr. Ana Duggan and Dr. Hendrik Poinar from the Ancient DNA Centre at McMaster University are working on answering this exact question. The Museum of Health Care is delighted to be McMaster University’s latest partner in this exciting new research project. … More MHC newest partner in exciting Ancient DNA Centre project
the landscape of gynaecology changed dramatically during the nineteenth century. Along with experimentation, research, and increasing knowledge came innovation in techniques and technologies until, for better or worse, the Victorian gynaecologist had a veritable arsenal of tools at their disposal. Drawing primarily from the Museum of Health Care’s collection, this blog post examines some of the medical instruments that helped change the face of gynaecology in the nineteenth century, many of which are still in use in some variation today. … More Nineteenth-Century Gynaecology: A History in Objects
Over the last 4 years, I have dedicated my time to researching and writing about the Contagious Diseases Acts of Britain (CD Acts) (1864-1886). Despite being an important moment in medical, military, and feminist history, the CD Acts have become a relatively forgotten phenomenon. In my conversations with curious friends and family over the years, most have been shocked to learn that the British government once detained women accused of prostitution, forcing them to undergo invasive vaginal examinations to search for signs of venereal disease. … More Prostitution Regulation and Public Health: The Contagious Diseases Acts of Britain
The Museum of Health Care is hiring a Collections Intern for the Fall 2023 to Spring 2024 period! … More We are Hiring! Collections Intern Position Available
The Museum of Health Care at Kingston has installed a new temporary exhibit, with Rockwood as the first subject.
Colloquially known as Rockwood, the city’s first psychiatric hospital has had many names over the years. With artifacts, panels, and even supplementary media links, this small exhibit provides a short overview of the hospital’s history from its beginning all the way to closure. … More Rockwood Asylum featured in new exhibit at the Museum of Health Care
The Museum of Health Care’s Sick City Outdoor Guided Walking Tours have returned for the summer!
Walk in the footsteps of some of Kingston’s earliest residents and arrivals as they engage in a quest for health care in the Limestone City. The stories of the establishment of one of Canada’s oldest public hospitals, Kingston General Hospital, and Queen’s School of Medicine are full of success and sacrifice, triumph and tragedy. Join us for a fascinating look into the lives of those that lived, arrived and died here, as we unlock the secrets of Kingston’s medical history. … More Sick City: Unlocking the Secrets of Kingston’s Medical History
The theme for this year’s Doors Open is FOOD. Visit the Museum during Doors Open and explore the connection between health and food. Allow our “doctors” to determine your humour through a scavenger hunt quiz, and be prepared to discover and taste which food best cures your ills based on some historical (and questionable theories)! … More Doors Open 2023 at the Museum of Health Care
The Museum of Health Care is celebrating another year of bringing Canada’s healthcare story to life with the release of it’s 2022 Annual Report. … More 2022 Annual Report Now Available
If you wanted to get blotto and you knew your onions, it was duck soup to go to a croaker and dip the bill without resorting to a blind tiger. … More Prescription for Getting Owled: Prohibition and the Medical Establishment
We are looking for enthusiastic committee members who will help support museum staff and work diligently to support our mission and vision.
The Museum is currently welcoming statements of interest for the following:
Board of Directors
Finance Committee
Advancement Committee
Human Resources Committee
Note: Meetings are held virtually. In-person attendance is not required. … More Volunteer Board and Museum Committee Members Wanted!
