New Exhibit on Medicine in the 18th Century Opens at Fort Ticonderoga

ALBANY, N.Y. - May 23, 2013 - PRLog -- Fort Ticonderoga newest exhibit, “It would make a heart of stone melt” Sickness, Injury, and Medicine at Fort Ticonderoga, opened on May 17, 2013. The exhibit explores early medical theory, practice, and experience as each relates to the armies that served at Fort Ticonderoga in the 18thcentury.
Organized into several sections, the exhibit presents an overview of medical practices, diseases of the army, and the treatment of wounds for the armies that fought in America during the French & Indian War and American Revolution. The exhibit is included in Fort Ticonderoga’s general admission price and will be on display throughout the 2013 season.  For more details visit www.fortticonderoga.org or call 518-585-2821.
“Medical care of troops was of paramount concern to the armies that sought to attack or defend Ticonderoga, and lessons learned at Ticonderoga had a direct impact on the outcome of the American Revolution” said Chris Fox, Fort Ticonderoga Curator of Collections. “The health and well-being of an army had a direct impact on its effectiveness on the battlefield.”  
When the American army was struck with a smallpox epidemic in the aftermath of the invasion of Canada during the winter of 1775-1776, the army had to take swift action.  American commander Colonel Benedict Arnold implemented a comprehensive, but controversial inoculation program to rid the army of the disease.  As a result of his actions, the American army in New York was largely free of smallpox by the spring of 1777.  So successful was the program of inoculation that General George Washington implemented a similar program for the army as a whole following year.  As a result, the American army became virtually free of one of its most serious ailments which led to a stronger army and helped secure American independence.
The creation of this exhibit is an important step in a process to improve Fort Ticonderoga’s exhibits and make them more engaging and informative for the public,” said Beth Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO. “Our exhibits combined with related interpretive programming bring the Fort to life in a groundbreaking approach that continues to place Fort Ticonderoga as a premier destination experience and nationally recognized center of learning.”
Recently recognized as the top destination in the Adirondacks by USA News Travel, Fort Ticonderoga connects all visitors to a place and time that defined a continent, a nation, and its continued legacy.
“It would make a heart of stone melt” Sickness, Injury, and Medicine at Fort Ticonderoga exhibition and related programs are made by possible by generous support from International Paper Foundation, D&E Technologies, Inter-Lakes Health, GE Foundation, and individual supporters.

FORT TICONDEROGA
America’s Fort ™
Located on Lake Champlain in the beautiful 6 million acre Adirondack Park, Fort Ticonderoga is a not-for-profit historic site and museum that ensures that present and future generations learn from the struggles, sacrifices, and victories that shaped the nations of North America and changed world history. Serving the public since 1909, Fort Ticonderoga engages more than 70,000 visitors annually and is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Fort Ticonderoga’s history.  Accredited by the American Association of Museums, Fort Ticonderoga offers programs, historic interpretation, tours, demonstrations, and exhibits throughout the year and is open for daily visitation May 17 through October 20, 2013. The 2013 season features the Fort’s newest exhibit “It would make a heart of stone melt” Sickness, Injury, and Medicine at Fort Ticonderoga which explores early medical theory, practice, and experience as each relates to the armies that served at Fort Ticonderoga in the 18th century.  Visit www.FortTiconderoga.org for a full list of ongoing programs or call 518-585-2821. Fort Ticonderoga is located at 100 Fort Ti Road, Ticonderoga, New York.

America’s Fort is a registered trademark of the Fort Ticonderoga Association.