Tending the Living and the Dead

a history of physicians, funeral homes and rescue squads

Our current history exhibit is titled “Tending the Living and the Dead: a history of physicians, funeral homes and rescue squads.” Those who assist in times of sickness, emergency, and death form a critical part of any community. What is surprising, is how the histories of physicians, funeral homes, and rescue squads are closely intertwined. Ambulance service was a lesser-known part of early funeral businesses. Initially, there was little in the way of first aid provided by the ambulance attendants, but the idea of trained attendants traveling with the patient was championed by local funeral home staff who knew the need first hand. Medical, funeral, and rescue artifacts from Kenneth McCoy and others will illustrate the evolution of these institutions in Montgomery County, Virginia. Exploring how our community tended its living and dead is an important way to understand its people and values.