CSI in DC: Garfield's Doctors Were the Crime

By Garrett M. Graff , Caleb Hannan

You have only until September 19 to see one of the stranger exhibits at the National Museum of Health and Medicine:

Three vertebrae removed from James Garfield, 20th president of the United States.

Garfield’s 12th thoracic and first and second lumbar are part of an exhibit honoring the 125th anniversary of his death 80 days after being shot in the DC train station.

Just as on CSI, a red plastic rod through the vertebrae shows the path of the assassin’s second bullet, which lodged in Garfield’s gut.

The exhibit’s focus is the harm done by the president’s physicians, says Jeffrey Reznick, NMHM’s senior curator: “Essentially, he was killed by 1880s medicine.”

NMHM also has in its collection a “majority” of the brain of Garfield’s assassin, Charles Guiteau, but Reznick thought it dishonorable to display Guiteau’s remains too.

Find A ...
Find A Restaurant







  1. Only show Delivery
    Only show Kid Friendly
    Only show Late Night
    Only show Party Space
    Only show Weekend Brunch
Find Events




Find A Happy Hour





  1. search_finda.gif
Find A Spa




  1. search_finda.gif
Find a Home





  1. search_finda.gif
  2. Powered by  
Find A Hotel


  1.   


  2. Reviewed by Washingtonian
  3. Kid Friendly     Valet Parking
    Handicap Accessible    

  4. Childcare
    WiFi
    Pet Friendly
    Bar/Lounge/Dining
    Airport Shuttle
    Salon/Spa
    Swimming Pool
    Fitness Room
    On-site Drycleaning
    Meeting Rooms
    Golf
    Tennis Courts
    Game Room
  5. search_finda.gif

Attack on the Street: What's Your Hidden Talent?

For this week's edition of Attack on the Street, we wanted to know: What special talent do you have? more

It’s Not Rocket Science, Says Mr. Yogato’s Rocket Scientist

Mr. Yogato isn’t your usual business, and Steve Davis isn’t your usual businessman. more

100 Best Restaurants 2008

Openings by celebrity chefs! A bistro renaissance! Twenty new restaurants! There’s plenty of excitement on the Washingtonian 2008's list of very best restaurants, ranked from 1 to 100. more

  1. Readers' Favorite Restaurants 2007
  2. Washingtonian.com and Washingtonian Magazine Photo Galleries
  3. Great Hair: 45 Great Salons
  4. Beyond Waffles: Our Guide to the Best Brunches