Two new exhibits on display at the William A. Neal Museum of the Health Sciences at the HSC Pylons!

AFRICAN AMERICAN HOSPITALS IN WEST VIRGINIA, 1900-1960

As the African American population increased in West Virginia, the need for medical care in the Black community intensified. The Mountain State’s Black population skyrocketed from roughly 18,000 in 1870 to nearly 118,000 by 1940. During the Jim Crow Era, West Virginia had more African American healthcare providers and hospitals than any other state in central and southern Appalachia. However, racial disparities in healthcare still existed, with Black West Virginians experiencing higher death and infection rates than White West Virginians.  

Location: Health Sciences Center – Pylons

ST. MARY'S HOSPITAL AND SCHOOL OF NURSING

St. Mary's Hospital in Clarksburg began as Harrison County Hospital in 1900 and operated until 1977. The School of Nursing trained 960 nurses between 1905 and 1969. St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing was also a trailblazer in West Virginia for admitting African American and male students.

Location: Health Sciences Center – Neal Museum