The Historical Society of the Town of Middletown (HSM) will present living history re-enactor Stuart W. Lehman on Saturday, Mar. 27, when he will bring a hands-on lecture, “Leeches and Laudanum: Medicine in Early New York,” to Margaretville.
The program begins at 2 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church hall, Orchard St., Margaretville.
HSM members get in free; admission for non-members is $2. For more information, call 845-586-4973 or contact history@catskill.net
Lehman will discuss medicine as it was practiced in the 18th and 19th Centuries. He will bring an exhibit of the herbs, medicines, and implements used from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War. You can take a close look at some fascinating artifacts; however watch out for the leeches!
Explore health care as it was practiced in early America by doctors, midwives, and the everyday housewife. Find out about theories, treatments, home remedies and patent medicines and discover which were surprisingly successful, and which caused more problems than they cured.
Lehman developed his program over many years working at a variety of historic sites, including Schuyler Mansion and Saratoga National Historical Park. He is an Education Coordinator with the Office of General Services where he develops and present programs and conducts research for the New York State Capitol.
Lehman is active in a number of historical associations, including the New Scotland Historical Association, the Friends of Schuyler Mansion and the Capitol District Civil War Roundtable. He lives in Guilderland.