Category Archives: Historical Collections

Historical Insights: Pulling Teeth: Humor and History in Dental Illustrations  

Posted on June 22, 2026 by Tara Wink

Long before modern anesthesia, advanced dental technology, or formal dental education, tooth extractions and other dental treatments were often painful affairs that inspired both anxiety and amusement. Historical artists captured these experiences through illustrations, caricatures, and satirical prints that reveal how dentistry was viewed by the public. Drawn from the UMB’s Dental Illustrations Collection in the Digital Archive, these images offer a glimpse into the history of dental care while highlighting the humor, fears, and cultural attitudes surrounding oral health.   Continue reading →

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Moms, Grads, and Dads: Give Flowers That Last

Posted on April 27, 2026 by ebrown

Mother’s Day, graduation, and Father’s Day are right around the corner. Consider giving your favorite people flowers that will last. The HSHSL offers a four-pack of high-quality botanical stickers for $5, available through the HSHSL Online Store. Orders must be … Continue reading →

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Historical Insights: Sickness at Sea, Rediscovering an 1843 Thesis on Scurvy

Posted on April 7, 2026 by Tara Wink

In 1843, Dr. Augustus J. Bowie, Acting Assistant Surgeon in the U.S. Navy, completed his medical education at the University of Maryland School of Medicine with his dissertation on Scurvy. This post, written by Alternative Spring Break Intern, Tessa Mills (MLS Student at the University of Kentucky), discusses the dissertation and the influence of scurvy in the nineteenth century. Continue reading →

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First Women of the University of Maryland, Baltimore: An Exhibit

Posted on February 9, 2026 by Tara Wink

The HSHSL honors UMB women who paved the way for future generations with an exhibit: First Women of the University of Maryland. Continue reading →

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Will you be my Dr. Valentine?

Posted on February 9, 2026 by Tara Wink

This post highlights two UMB graduates with the last name Valentine. Read to learn more about Drs. Aloysius W. Valentine and Francis J. Valentine. Continue reading →

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Holiday Gift Ready: HSHSL’s 2026 Botanical Marvels Calendar and Sticker Set

Posted on December 4, 2025 by ebrown

Looking for a quick holiday gift? The 2026 HSHSL calendar, Botanical Marvels, is now available and ready to brighten someone’s year. Each month features a bold botanical illustration from our Pharmacy Historical Collections. It adds a pop of color and … Continue reading →

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Tuesday 10/21: Historical Collections Tour Stop

Posted on October 20, 2025 by Tara Wink

Stop by the HSHSL’s Historical Collections on Tuesday Oct. 21 between noon and 2 p.m. The event is part of the University’s Founder’s Week Historical Treasurers Tour.  Historical Collections of the Health Sciences and Human Services Library (HSHSL) is an … Continue reading →

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Botanical Marvels: The 2026 HSHSL Calendar

Posted on October 7, 2025 by ebrown

2026 marks the fifth-year anniversary of the HSHSL Calendar! To match that milestone, this year’s theme, Botanical Marvels, features some of the most impressive images from Historical Collections Pharmacy Historical Collection. This year’s calendar is stunning with vibrant colors and … Continue reading →

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Controversy: A Two-Part Exploration of Censorship Exhibit

Posted on October 3, 2025 by Tara Wink

Censorship and the impulse to restrict access to ideas are not new. They have remained a constant thread in debates over sex, religion, science, politics, gender and race, raising a fundamental question: Who gets to decide what we can read?

To mark Banned Books Week, Oct. 5–11, the HSHSL has assembled an exhibit highlighting banned and challenged books in our circulating and historical collections. Although the national observance lasts only one week, our exhibit will remain up longer to give visitors more time to explore. Continue reading →

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Historical Collections: Founder’s Week Historical Treasures Tour Stop

Posted on September 22, 2025 by Tara Wink

As part of the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) Founders Week celebration, students, staff, and faculty are invited to visit five historical sites on campus Oct. 21 between noon and 2 p.m. HSHSL’s own Historical Collections will be one of the tour stops that day. Continue reading →

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