1975 – Now In Our Fiftieth Year – 2025
The Middlebury Historical Society, with its Museum, Library and Historical Archive, is located near the Middlebury Green on Library Road in Middlebury, Connecticut. The building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, began as the Center School, a two-room schoolhouse built in 1897. It later housed the Middlebury Public Library from 1935 until 1972, and has been the home of the historical society since 1975.
The Building was funded in part by the family of John Howard Whittemore and Julia Anna (Spencer) Whittemore. It was designed by A. Milton Napier of the firm of McKim, Mead and White, and the grounds were designed by renowned landscape architect Warren H. Manning.
The building is maintained in its original condition, and on display are many interesting items significant to Middlebury history. It also houses the most extensive library of Middlebury history in town, with an archive and research center.
Dr. Sullivan is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a former general and oncologic surgeon at Waterbury Hospital Health Center, where he served for over 30 years, including as chief of staff. He is also the author of two historical books, “Breakneck”, chronicling Middlebury’s Revolutionary War history, and “Contentment: A Novel of New England’s Birth.”
A dedicated Revolutionary War reenactor, Dr. Sullivan combines his medical expertise and passion for history to create immersive, engaging presentations. His detailed knowledge of 18th-century medical practices offers a unique perspective on the challenges and innovations of the era.
He is currently Medical Advisor for the Brookfield Health Department.
Dr. Sullivan will discuss the life and work of Dr. John Warren, a pioneering colonial physician who became Harvard Medical School’s first professor of medicine. Dr. Warren, brother of Revolutionary War hero Dr. Joseph Warren, played a significant role in shaping early American medical practices.
The lecture will delve into the harsh realities of 18th-century medicine. Physicians of the time had little understanding of infection or disease origins, and anesthesia was still a century away. Yet, through skill and resilience, colonial surgeons managed to save lives, perform amputations, and care for soldiers in primitive camp conditions.
Dr. Sullivan will display authentic instruments and medicines from the period, explaining their uses and demonstrating how they shaped the practice of surgery and medicine. This rare opportunity offers an engaging and educational glimpse into the past.
On behalf of the Middlebury Historical Society, join us on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 6:00pm in the Shepardson Community Center Auditorium, located at 1172 Whittemore Road in Middlebury, Connecticut. For further information, please contact Alice DeMartino at secretary@middleburyhistoricalsociety.org
The Middlebury Historical Society, Inc., 4 Library Road, Middlebury, Connecticut 06762; Mailing Address: P.O. Box 104, Middlebury, Connecticut 06762. Contact President@middleburyhistoricalsociety.org.