Find our events listing below.
When planning to visit, please make sure to take note of which museum each event is being held at.
Mr. Paul Houghton, the first Fleet Surgeon in the Royal Navy
Medicine under fire: the work of civil defence casualty services in wartime
Talk duration: approx. 45 minutes
Amongst the services that served on the Home Front in the Second World War, casualty services are amongst the least studied and least focused upon. This is despite their work being the forerunner of modern emergency medical practice. Nathan Hazlehurst, a PhD student and emergency planner, will explore the background to the service, how it worked on the ground, and how it impacts modern day medicine.
Nathan has kindly agreed to provide this talk for free to the museum.
Extended opening times will be in place for the evening, meaning visitors can come from 9am to 6:30pm on the day of the talk. Free.
We are unable to provide drinks at this free talk.
Forgotten Women in Worcestershire’s Medical History, c. 1900 – 1939
Women have always played an important role in Worcester’s medical past, as nurses and midwives, and latterly as doctors. You might be familiar with some of their stories here at the George Marshall Medical Museum. In this talk, though, we will be taking you ‘behind the scenes’ of the medical institutions in Worcester and the surrounding area to explore the influence of local women from the early twentieth century whose contributions to these institutions have largely been forgotten. They weren’t members of the medical profession—in fact, most had no medical qualifications at all—but they all played a significant role at places like the City Infirmary or Powick Asylum. One even influenced maternity care for women across Britain. The talk will argue that these women, who came from different backgrounds and social classes, all played a vitally important role in keeping these organisations running – and that their contributions have largely been forgotten today.
Dr Anna Muggeridge is Lecturer in History at the University of Worcester. She is currently working on a history of women in local government in the interwar years, and is particularly interested in the contributions of women councillors to health and welfare services.
Free half-term tours of George Marshall Medical Museum
Free half-term tours of George Marshall Medical Museum
Arranged for members of the Royal Society of Biology, but open to all, please join us for an in-person talk on Death Masks and Phrenology with Louise Robinson at the George Marshall Medical Museum.
Attendees are also welcome to visit the variety of museum exhibits.
Talk will start at 6:00pm with light refreshments.
The George Marshall Medical Museum will remain open until 8:30pm.
To book please follow this link to the Royal Society of Biology: https://my.rsb.org.uk/item.php?eventid=4362
In researching her own family history, Sarah of Worcester Archives, discovered a link to Worcester Dispensary which was rebuilt in 1850. A blog post for Explore The Past resulted from this research and in this talk she discusses the research she was able to do on her own (particularly interesting) ancestor, and the sources she used for this, as possible inspiration to others. She also shares what she learned about Worcester Dispensary, once on Bank Street (near the now WHSmith’s building in Worcester High Street) and how this was run.
The museum will be open from 5pm to 6pm for visitors who would like to see the artefacts on display before the talk begins at 6pm in our Lecture Theatre.
Please note this event is at the George Marshall Medical Museum, in the Charles Hastings Education Centre on the grounds of Worcestershire Royal Hospital. We have a car park, but please consider using public transport. The 38 and X38 services run from the Crowngate bus station to the hospital site, and the talk will finish in good time for buses back to the bus station.
Back by popular demand, we’re working with staff across Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust to host Happy Cafes in the museum in 2024. These are open to staff and the general public as the Trust supports staff to put patients first.
Come along for as little or as long as you can.
Crafts, chats, games.
Happy Cafes will be hosted at George Marshall Medical Museum on:
Tuesday 30 April 2024
Monday 29 July 2024
Monday 28 October 2024
Entry £6 per person. Cash or card on arrival.
Join herbal storyteller Amanda Edmiston (Botanica Fabula) for an evening exploring legends, folklore, social history, the world of medicinal plants and a journey that led to her first book The Time Traveller's Herbal.
Before meandering into a magical realm of mythology, grown up fairy tales and historical medicinal plantlore, Amanda's book begins with her own childhood memories. Her Gran was a Worcestershire farmer's daughter, who became a nurse during WWII and fell in love with a handsome Scottish sculptor when he was stationed in England with the RAF.
In this evening session Amanda will share some of her favourite stories from within the book, lead us along the path of her own journey and shares a flavour of the kitchen and garden adventures with her Gran that informed her love of healing herbs and plantlore.
For more about Amanda and her work see her website: www.botanicafabula.co.uk. Or follow her stories on social media Facebook Twitter and Instagram.
Entry £6.00 (cash or card on arrival).
There will be an opportunity to purchase Amanda's book at the event. The museum will remain open from 5pm for those wishing to view the displays before the event begins.
Please note we are hosting two 40-minute sessions on Tuesday 2 April. The first will begin at 11:30, the second will begin at 12:20 with a break between. You can attend both. These sessions are free.
WHICH CAME FIRST? THE SCIENCE OR THE STORY?
Inspired by some of the histories held within the Museum's collection, herbal storyteller Amanda Edmiston (Botanica Fabula) weaves threads connecting the objects to ancient myths and legends, creating stories accentuated by extraordinary, multisensory, botanical elements to reveal the hidden science often shared in fantastical tales.
Prepare to hear about intrepid inventors, fabulous age defying Phoenix and extraordinary medical discoveries in this family session, suitable for all ages.
Warning! There may be pungent potions and unusual tastes to explore along the way!
For more about Amanda and her work see her website: www.botanicafabula.co.uk or follow her stories on social media Facebook Twitter and Instagram.
Please note this event is being held at the George Marshall Medical Museum, part of the Charles Hastings Education Centre on the site of the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
Please note we are hosting two 40-minute sessions on Tuesday 2 April. The first will begin at 11:30, the second will begin at 12:20 with a break between. You can attend both. These sessions are free.
WHICH CAME FIRST? THE SCIENCE OR THE STORY?
Inspired by some of the histories held within the Museum's collection, herbal storyteller Amanda Edmiston (Botanica Fabula) weaves threads connecting the objects to ancient myths and legends, creating stories accentuated by extraordinary, multisensory, botanical elements to reveal the hidden science often shared in fantastical tales.
Prepare to hear about intrepid inventors, fabulous age defying Phoenix and extraordinary medical discoveries in this family session, suitable for all ages.
Warning! There may be pungent potions and unusual tastes to explore along the way!
For more about Amanda and her work see her website: www.botanicafabula.co.uk or follow her stories on social media Facebook Twitter and Instagram.
Please note this event is being held at the George Marshall Medical Museum, part of the Charles Hastings Education Centre on the site of the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
Bring the little ones and have a go at our egg hunt. A simple trail to find the lettered eggs and spell the name of a particular type of plant which has been used in medicines for hundreds of years.
Both Worcester’s Medical Museums will be closed for the Bank Holiday Monday 1st April. We are sorry for any inconvenience.
Bring the little ones and have a go at our egg hunt. A simple trail to find the lettered eggs and spell the name of a particular type of plant which has been used in medicines for hundreds of years.
Bring the little ones and have a go at our egg hunt. A simple trail to find the lettered eggs and spell the name of a particular type of plant which has been used in medicines for hundreds of years.
Explore the world of herbal remedies and get through the cold and dark winter's evenings with our online book club (meet-up-and-make). Completely free.
On the second Thursday of each month between December 2023 and March 2024, you can join herbal storyteller Amanda Edmiston as she explores the world of herbal remedies and reads from her brand new book 'The Time Traveller's Herbal'.
…or email gmmedicalmuseum@gmail.com with your email and full name so we can send you Zoom details.
Each month will focus on a different period of time from one particular chapter and she will take us through a herbal recipe or two. She will even share stories and herbal recipes that didn't make the final edit of 'The Time Traveller's Herbal'.
We will be in touch via Eventbrite before each meet to share with you the link to Zoom, and to let you know the ingredients you need to get hold of if you would like to join in 'the make'.
Dates for the book clubs are on the second Thursday of each month between December 2023 and March 2024. Get them in your diaries!
Thursday 14 March, 6:30pm
Explore the world of herbal remedies and get through the cold and dark winter's evenings with our online book club (meet-up-and-make). Completely free.
On the second Thursday of each month between December 2023 and March 2024, you can join herbal storyteller Amanda Edmiston as she explores the world of herbal remedies and reads from her brand new book 'The Time Traveller's Herbal'.
…or email gmmedicalmuseum@gmail.com with your email and full name so we can send you Zoom details.
Each month will focus on a different period of time from one particular chapter and she will take us through a herbal recipe or two. She will even share stories and herbal recipes that didn't make the final edit of 'The Time Traveller's Herbal'.
We will be in touch via Eventbrite before each meet to share with you the link to Zoom, and to let you know the ingredients you need to get hold of if you would like to join in 'the make'.
Dates for the book clubs are on the second Thursday of each month between December 2023 and March 2024. Get them in your diaries!
Thursday 15 February, 6:30pm
Free half-term tours of George Marshall Medical Museum
Free half-term tours of George Marshall Medical Museum
Explore the world of herbal remedies and get through the cold and dark winter's evenings with our online book club (meet-up-and-make). Completely free.
On the second Thursday of each month between December 2023 and March 2024, you can join herbal storyteller Amanda Edmiston as she explores the world of herbal remedies and reads from her brand new book 'The Time Traveller's Herbal'.
…or email gmmedicalmuseum@gmail.com with your email and full name so we can send you Zoom details.
Each month will focus on a different period of time from one particular chapter and she will take us through a herbal recipe or two. She will even share stories and herbal recipes that didn't make the final edit of 'The Time Traveller's Herbal'.
We will be in touch via Eventbrite before each meet to share with you the link to Zoom, and to let you know the ingredients you need to get hold of if you would like to join in 'the make'.
Dates for the book clubs are on the second Thursday of each month between December 2023 and March 2024. Get them in your diaries!
Thursday 11 January, 6:30pm
Explore the world of herbal remedies and get through the cold and dark winter's evenings with our online book club (meet-up-and-make). Completely free.
On the second Thursday of each month between December 2023 and March 2024, you can join herbal storyteller Amanda Edmiston as she explores the world of herbal remedies and reads from her brand new book 'The Time Traveller's Herbal'.
…or email gmmedicalmuseum@gmail.com with your email and full name so we can send you Zoom details.
Each month will focus on a different period of time from one particular chapter and she will take us through a herbal recipe or two. She will even share stories and herbal recipes that didn't make the final edit of 'The Time Traveller's Herbal'.
We will be in touch via Eventbrite before each meet to share with you the link to Zoom, and to let you know the ingredients you need to get hold of if you would like to join in 'the make'.
Dates for the book clubs are on the second Thursday of each month between December 2023 and March 2024. Get them in your diaries!
Thursday14 December, 6:30pm
Back by popular demand, we’re working with staff across Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust to host not one, but FIVE Trust Happy Cafes in the museum in 2023. These are open to staff and the general public as the Trust supports staff to put patients first.
Come along for as little or as long as you can.
Crafts, chats, games.
Happy Cafes will be hosted at George Marshall Medical Museum on:
20th June
25th July
25th September
24th October
12th December
Copyright John Ritchie 2023
After the success of previous joint online events , we're so pleased to work with herbal storyteller Amanda Edmiston for a very special online launch of her first book The Time Traveller's Herbal. For your ticket price of just £5, you will gain entry to the online book launch and a link to pre-order your copy, along with a very special gift from Amanda - a beautiful handmade sachet of ingredients used in one of the recipes she will share during the evening.
You will also be able to take part in four FREE meet-up-and-make book clubs to be held on the second Thursday of each month, online (14 Dec, 11 Jan, 8 Feb, 14 March) to help you through some of winter's cold, dark evenings. AND we're hosting a very special family in-person event at the George Marshall Medical Museum during the Easter holidays 2024.
More about Amanda
Amanda is a herbalist and storyteller based in Scotland. She first learnt about plants and recipes from her grandmother who remembered traditional remedies and folklore. After studying law and then herbal medicine, Amanda found it natural to start bringing together stories, plants and magical places, drawing on the Scottish storytelling tradition, but in her own unique way. She has been showcasing her own work for over 10 years, performing and creating art in museums, libraries, forests, castles, schools and universities around the world under the banner Botanica Fabula.
More about the book
The herbalist has had many names throughout the ages - Cunning Woman, Wise Woman, even Witch - all hiding the truth of what they are... early pioneers of science, and fountains of traditional, nature-based knowledge.
All around us are plants and herbs that can be used to improve our wellbeing and encourage a more nature-focused approach to health. Steeped in history, the herbalist's art paved the way for modern science - but didn't necessarily need to have been replaced by it. In The Time Traveller's Herbal, the traditional remedies and recipes that were passed down through the ages are offered to the modern reader as a means to reconnect with the natural world, while reaping the benefits. Steeped in the stories through which these remedies have been passed down to us, our connection to the past is fully explored in a romantic and meandering journey through the plants and flowers that have healed and helped us through the ages. Travelling back through the mists of time, the ancient mysteries of the plants and flowers that have saved lives in a world without modern medicine are uncovered.
Since 2011 we have relied on the generosity of volunteers giving their time to assist us with a deep clean of some of our stored collections and the museum's displayed collections at George Marshall Medical Museum. If you feel like you can offer some of your time to this activity in 2023, we will be closing the museum for two days at the beginning of November (Monday 6 November and Tuesday 7 November) in order to carry on where we left off last year. Please contact Louise on louise.price10@nhs.net to see how you can help. There will be cake!
As part of the Worcester-wide collaborative arts project Severn Rising 2222 we are delighted to offer a new interactive and immersive game at George Marshall Medical Museum from Monday 18 September to Sunday 1 October.
Bringing together illustration and animation, site specific to Worcester, the game is set 200 years in the future in a flooded version of the city consumed by nature, where the wildlife does the talking. Can human existence be pieced back together?
Play the game from Monday 18 September to Sunday 1 October at George Marshall Medical Museum.
NOTE THE MUSEUM IS CLOSED ON SATURDAY 23 AND SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER
As part of the Worcester-wide collaborative arts project Severn Rising 2222 we are delighted to offer a new interactive and immersive game at George Marshall Medical Museum from Monday 18 September to Sunday 1 October.
Bringing together illustration and animation, site specific to Worcester, the game is set 200 years in the future in a flooded version of the city consumed by nature, where the wildlife does the talking. Can human existence be pieced back together?
Play the game from Monday 18 September to Sunday 1 October at George Marshall Medical Museum.
NOTE THE MUSEUM IS CLOSED ON SATURDAY 23 AND SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER
Artist Lois Blackburn led the project, Comfort the Breast Quilt. It is an artwork abundant in rich and diverse themes. From puberty, to aging, to sexual harassment, breastfeeding, sexualization, transgender experiences, ill heath, operations, body image and acceptance.
Comfort was made by 180 women, teens, trans and non-binary people. It explores our hopes & dreams, embarrassments, pleasure, pain & joy.
Comfort invites its makers and the audience to slow down, to reflect on difficult or embarrassing subjects, ask questions, absorb ideas, challenge preconceptions and start conversations.
The Infirmary Museum is open Monday to Saturday, 10am until 5pm
As part of the Worcester-wide collaborative arts project Severn Rising 2222 we are delighted to offer a new interactive and immersive game at George Marshall Medical Museum from Monday 18 September to Sunday 1 October.
Bringing together illustration and animation, site specific to Worcester, the game is set 200 years in the future in a flooded version of the city consumed by nature, where the wildlife does the talking. Can human existence be pieced back together?
Play the game from Monday 18 September to Sunday 1 October at George Marshall Medical Museum.
NOTE THE MUSEUM IS CLOSED ON SATURDAY 23 AND SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER
As part of the Worcester-wide collaborative arts project Severn Rising 2222 we are delighted to offer a new interactive and immersive game at George Marshall Medical Museum from Monday 18 September to Sunday 1 October.
Bringing together illustration and animation, site specific to Worcester, the game is set 200 years in the future in a flooded version of the city consumed by nature, where the wildlife does the talking. Can human existence be pieced back together?
Play the game from Monday 18 September to Sunday 1 October at George Marshall Medical Museum.
NOTE THE MUSEUM IS CLOSED ON SATURDAY 23 AND SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER
Join Louise Robinson BSc (Hons) Anatomical Studies, on a journey of discovery through 19th century operating theatre practice, from a time before anaesthesia and antisepsis.
For those of you unable to attend an evening talk, please see details of a duplicate talk on Monday 7 August, 10:30am: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nineteenth-century-surgery-history-talk-tickets-629227796277
*Content warning: the talk will include reference to surgical tools, surgery, bodies, blood, death and dying.
Join Louise Robinson BSc (Hons) Anatomical Studies, on a journey of discovery through 19th century operating theatre practice, from a time before anaesthesia and antisepsis.
For those unable to attend a mid-morning talk, please see our duplicate event on Tuesday 15 August, 6pm: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nineteenth-century-surgery-evening-history-talk-tickets-629238668797
*Content warning: the talk will include reference to surgical tools, surgery, bodies, blood, death and dying.
