Past Event

Civil War Field Embalming: A Demonstration of Period Technique

As Dr. Benjamin F. Lyford, following the Battle of Gettysburg, Jon Austin presents a first-person presentation in the style of a 19th century medical school lecture for general audiences, using a re-enactor "corpse" as a visual aid. Learn about the verification of death, period medicine & chemistry, human anatomy, and the preparation of dead soldiers for shipping and burial, in addition to 19th century mourning rituals, Lincoln’s funeral, and the ways in which modern funeral practice have developed over time.

This event is Free and Open to the public. For more information, please contact Catherine Williams, 815-383-4327. Courtroom of Old Courthouse Museum.