Arkansas Country Doctor Museum - Lincoln, Arkansas

Ryan P.

This museum is a very rare opportunity with very few like in the USA. I was visiting the nearby Prairie Grove Battleground and it was not too far from it, so I would suggest making a stop and being aware of the scheduled hours, which are limited. When visiting you will follow the sign to the main building which will then grant access to the back door of the main facility, where three different buildings were joined together to demonstrate how homes were often practiced out of within rural areas.

The building also has the first plumbed bathroom to the county which would have been important for treating patients, and newer innovations that were critical to battling issues such as polio, as well as things specific to an era when pharmaceutical compounding was the norm. Some of the equipment shows how things have evolved over time, such as braces for legs, wooden wheel chairs, and obstetrician equipment. Some of the equipment still seems very familiar to modern day (as well it should, considering some of the instruments will look identical to the days of the ancient Romans,) and yet despite these familiarities it is becoming a very different kind of field from what it used to be, which also highlights some of the important contributions that have allowed society to get as far as it has. Even within the garage is a Studabaker horse buggy along with an early Ford sedan, highlighting how quick the transition of society can change dramatically.

It is a very informative museum with staff who have a very dedicated interest in the traditions of the medical field and whom offer a lot of insight into the town and nearby communities. The information building has folders filled with the research on the history of many different Doctors, who likely also have their photos on the walls in the tour building, where many of whom may well have equipment donated from the many years they were practicing.

I also believe the place could gain some assistance for funding and donation, or even have someone volunteer to help out with general maintenance (so I did become aware the exterior pipe connected to the main building had burst, as well as one of the rooms had a light fixture that shorted, or may have some safety issue with the electricity that resulted in it not being able to activate.) People should help to ensure these kinds of places can remain active and visible, since such history is becoming harder to find.

Anthony T.

What a terrific little gem. You are greeted by a warm friendly staff. Given a guided tour of an original country doctors home and facility. This museum is filled with medical arts treasures dating back to when Arkansas was still a territory and before. There are also many family treasures belonging to several doctors who practiced here as well.
Much respect and information is provided for many country doctors who with great self sacrifice provided care to many people who couldn't afford it.
Great afternoon visit. Say hi to Karen and Jerry.

Mark M.

This facility, a hidden gem, has 11 rooms filled with artifacts! Will definitely come back. The person giving the tour was extremely knowledgeable. Again, this museum is packed with an awesome amount of older medical equipment, including a functioning Iron Lung. It was turned on for a few minutes so that we could see how it operated. There is a $5 book here that tells the story of a local 16 year old girl who got polio, and required the use of an Iron Lung until her demise, 31 years later. We'll be back.

Linda R.

I have visited the Country Doctor museum a few times. If you are in the medical or dental field, you will find this museum very interesting. There are instruments donated to this rather large museum that have not been used in many decades.

This museum is a well kept secret in Arkansas. There are only two country doctor museums in the country and this is one of them. Located in Lincoln, Arkansas where the Lincoln Apple Festival occurs every fall. The museum is approximately two blocks from the square.

There is no admission and if you are lucky, you get a great guided tour. Donations are appreciated. By the way, this museum honors Arkansas country doctors, all deceased (one of the criteria to be included in the museum)

Janelle F.

I was absolutely blown away by the size and quality if the collections here! This is a true hidden gem of Northwest Arkansas. The museum is extensive, and includes displays with real period equipment in the areas of Optometry, Dentistry, Surgery, Gynecology, Obstetrics, Pharmacy, General Practice, Herbal medicine, Prosthetics, and even has a working iron lung(!!!!). There is also a working Model T ford and studebaker buggy, and an enormous salt and pepper shaker collection, ...some of the ladies here have memories of one of the doctors and can tell you first person stories about him and his life! Lastly, it houses a HUGE amount of extensive research into Arkansan country doctors, as well as antique and vintage medical volumes that could be of great use to students of medicine or history...can't reccommend enough! Give yourself at least an hour to see it all!!

ROLENSEC O. S.

This is a great place to see horsitc marks about science and metheods used to treat illnesses back in the day. I highly recommend it. The lady's love giving tours. And it is very inspiring to see 50+ years of change

AMANDA J. L.

If you are going to medical school, this place has a lot of medical history

Blayne G.

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