We were in town for a long weekend and entered the Spanish Hospital Museum on Aviles Street to gather brochures for sightseeing ideas. Museum Manager, Celeste, was dressed in the colonial period, welcomed us to the museum and answered our typical tourist questions.
We had not been to the museum before and decided to take a tour the next day. Tours are scheduled daily from 9-5 on the hour and half hour and last 40-45 minutes.
The museum is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. We took the 12:30 tour with Jose. The museum promotes: 'fully guided interpretive experience of 18th century colonial medicine.' The museum is pet friendly; check out the Facebook page on Fridays for "Fur Fan Friday." Night tours are available. A gift shop is located at the rear of the museum where you will find handmade soaps, books, coffee mugs and St. Augustine souvenirs.
Senior admission (age 60+): $14.95; adults: $16.95; children (ages 6-12): $6.95. Buy online and save. Use the promo code "booknow" and save $1 on each adult admission. Group admission rates are available for 15 or more. The museum is featured on page 11 of the Historical Sites section of the St. Augustine Sightseeing Map & Guide.
The museum also offers gardens for relaxation.
The Spanish Military Hospital was reconstructed in 1966 by the State of Florida to illustrate medical practices in the late 1700s. After the Spanish returned to St. Augustine in 1784 the building was converted to a new military hospital.
Jose, also in period dress, was an amazing and knowledgeable guide. He is currently a researcher of Spanish and Caribbean history and translator for programs and exhibits displayed throughout the city. As the "Chief of Surgery" he demonstrated and taught us about the tools and surgical techniques common to the era for our small group of two senior couples. Many of the tools are used today, albeit with improved designs. The Spanish were years ahead of their time especially in surgical techniques. An important takeaway was that the biggest worry of infection came not from rifle balls but from embedded uniform fabric in the wound.
Jose took us into the "Apothecary" and talked about the various medicines common in the period, specifically laudanum and valerian, used to calm the injured which is widely available today in supplement and tea form. He also demonstrated how colonial herbs were the origins of some popular medicines today. Think "Valium."
We also visited the Morgue and learned about the expression of the word "wake." Once a soldier died, a “wake” was held in the same room. The expression "hosting a wake" comes from the practice of watching the body to ensure that the person did not "wake up." Since embalming and refrigeration had not yet been invented, the bodies were buried quickly.
A chance stop to get tourist information resulted in an enjoyable and informative afternoon learning about the early medical practices in the U.S. Put the Spanish Hospital Museum on your list of attractions to see.
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