Discover History
This exhibition is jointly produced by the National Museum of American History and the National Library of Medicine.
Our understanding of the Civil War is richly enhanced by the
personal records of individuals such as Amanda Akin. These
accounts can tell important stories, from the struggles of the
soldiers to the desperate and difficult work of the women who
cared for them. The invaluable materials displayed here have
been preserved for researchers in the historical collections of the
National Library of Medicine outside Washington, D.C.
The Lady Nurse of Ward E is available online.
Check the Smithsonian's
Civil War 150 Commemoration site
for more Civil War information,
exhibitions and events from
across the Smithsonian.