Is There a Doctor in the House? Students Explore Home, History, and the Evolution of Medicine

To address declining attendance and local interest in its property, the historic Thompson House, The Ward Melville Heritage Organization developed a new program, Medicine: Past, Present and Future. This article describes how the new program has replaced the traditional tour with an active learning experience, turning visitors from passive observers to active participants. More importantly, the new program uses contemporary medical practice to help participants understand and connect to an eighteenth century doctor and his world.