mcdowell house museum

Very interesting and unusual way to spend an afternoon. House and guide were great. Learned a lot and had a great time.

A very fascinating tour of the home where the first successful abdominal surgery (without anesthesia, I might add) was performed by Dr. Ephraim McDowell. The prayer he wrote and kept in his pocket during the surgery was amazing--"...Direct me, Oh! God, in performing this operation, for I am but an instrument in Thy hands, and am but Thy servant, and if it is Thy will, Oh! spare this poor afflicted woman...." Our guides were very knowledgeable (and funny!) and were willing to tailor the tour to the interests of those taking it. Since tours are given continuously and there are only 2 tour guides, be aware that you may start in the middle of a tour and end in the middle, but you will get the entire tour. And your guides are more than willing to answer any questions you may have. Appropriate for all ages, although the very squeamish may not want to hear about the surgery or some of the more gruesome medical practices of the early 1800's. You will need to climb 3-4 steep stairs to enter the home; if you skip the upstairs, additional stairs can be kept to a minimum. Much more could be done to restore this historical home, but finances are needed!

I grew up in Harrodsburg, but never toured much of it or the surrounding cities. I went with my family and visited Constitution Square first and then went to the Ephraim House at 1:00. We had a coupon from the visitors' center, so go visit there first to get a dollar off adult ticket coupon. The tour guide, Laura, was friendly, thorough, patient with my kids' questions, and above all very knowledgable. She was funny and the kids LOVED her! Worth every penny and we are so glad we went. The AC was broken that day and they offered us 1/2 off of our tickets. We declined the generous offer, but it was a nice gesture nonetheless. After you hear Ephraim McDowell and Ms. Crawford's story, you will be amazed both's courage and determination. Just an amazing piece of medical history!

The McDowell House Museum and Apothecary Shop is more than a beautiful historical home. I believe it to be one of Kentucky's hidden gems. In this very house Dr. Ephraim McDowellperformed the world's first successful abdominal surgery. My tour guide was very knowledgable and provided interesting facts about the home and explained what went on during this experimental surgery. The entire story is phenomenal, but I won't give it away. You should visit for yourself and bring your camera! The Apothecary Shop is amazing! I visited during the summer and was able to walk through the garden filled withPlants native to Kentucky. But I heard it is beautifully decorated during the holidays, so I Plan to return and take another tour in December. Their gift shop is filled with unique gifts made in Kentucky, so I can pick up a few Christmas gifts while I am there!

The McDowell House Museum is where Dr. Ephraim McDowell performed the world's first successful ovarian cyst removal in 1809. The house is filled with many original McDowell family pieces and other historic artifacts. The well stocked apothecary shop was the highlight of our visit. Our guide was wonderful and very informative.

The McDowell House Museum is one of the most important part of Danville history, and sadly, most people who have lived in this town their whole lives haven't even heard of it! The home is beautifully decorated in furniture of the time period, and the gardens are full of native Kentucky flowers and plants that grew in Dr. McDowell's time. The docents are friendly and knowledgeable, and you will learn so much from them about Danville history, medical history, and more. Visit in the spring to see the garden in bloom, or during the winter to see the house decorated for the holidays. Please do yourself a favor if you live in Danville and have never been here, and go check it out!

My beau reluctantly took me to Danville to visit Constitution Square, and as an added bonus, the McDowell House. We both really enjoyed the tour of the museum. I had some knowledge of Ephraim McDowell prior to the tour and walked away with a lot more! I wish I had gotten our tour guide's name, because she was so friendly and knowledgable. I definitely recommend you make this stop. You wont be disappointed.

Our tourguide was fabulous! My husband and I had our own private tour, and we both enjoyed her knowledge of everything in the house and about Dr. McDowell. The apothecary was phenomenal- what a great use of those relics. Thanks to all the Kentucky doctors who have worked to keep this museum interesting and in good condition. It is well worth the $5 admission fee.

The McDowell House tour kept my attention the whole time. My previous experience in touring homes are the stuffy governor or politician homes. This isn't anything like that. Our spunky guide kept us on our toes with interesting stories and facts about the time period and Dr. McDowell. Seeing the homes courtyard is worth the tour.

Do you like history? If so, you'll love visiting the McDowell House Museum. The docents are well informed and will tell you things you never knew, like where did "Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite" originate.

McDowell House presents an authentic view of Kentucky history, and some fascinating facts that most folk don't know.

check out the first doctor to do surgery on ovarian cancer. truly a doctor who really cared about his patients

McDowell House #4 of 4 Danville attractions? What? This is THE gem of Danville attractions. The fully-restored house and grounds are truly wonderful, especially considering the history of what happened here. Someone complains that when there's a festival downtown, parking is a problem? Yeah, but is that the fault of the McDowell House? The place is magnificent, and Lindsay, the docent, is knowledgeable about the house, the McDowells, and everything about the place. No one should miss this when in Danville -- whether there's a festival going on or not!

Whether you are medically inclined or not this is a great period home of an esteemed doctor. The history of the first surgery performed in the United States in 1806 (?) is fascinating. What is really nice is that the extremely well informed curator, Ms. Moynihan, has personally researched much of the period pieces, verified the family stories, and you can ask questions and get up close and personal to many of the exhibit items. For example, did you know that "costing you an arm & a leg" has to do with the cost of a portrait if hands were included or if the subject was standing - both of which are difficult and time consuming so they cost more. The apothecary shop area of this home is facsinating as well as the cook house, not to be outdone by the family areas though. I just can't decide. We just enjoyed it top to bottom.Be sure to read the instructions on the door. You need to ring the bell and someone comes to open it. $7 admission & $5 for seniors. We spent 2 hours but we ask a lot of questions, so allow at least an hour or more for this tour - all time well spent. Grab a pastry or a tasty simple sandwich at Burke's Bakery across the street and lunch in the historical park when you are done. What fun!

It is restored just like Dr. McDowell left it some years ago. If an event is going on downtown, (ie. KY BAR-BQ and/or Constitution Square Festivals, etc.) parking and entry to the museum is near impossible. It appears that selling beer and/or food are more impoatant during these festivals, rather than the city's history and heritage.