The Silver Spring National Museum of Health and Medicine has reopened following a pandemic-related shutdown, officials said today (July 7).

The museum, established during the Civil War as the Army Medical Museum, strives to “preserve, inspire and inform the history, research and advancement of military and civilian medicine through collections of world-class, digital technology and public engagement, ”according to its vision statement.

Its collections include historical and anatomical objects, as well as historical archives, among others. The museum also organizes guided group tours and sponsors formal and informal educational programs when it is fully open.

The museum reopens to the public under COVID-19 guidelines. These include a screening questionnaire, temperature checks, mandatory masks for anyone over 2 years old, and no food and drink outside, except water, will be allowed.

In addition, access will be limited to a maximum of 40 people at a time, and visitors will have to maintain social distancing.

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and closed Monday and Tuesday. It is located at 2500 Linden Lane in Silver Spring.

Photo courtesy of the National Museum of Health and Medicine