Visit our Museum at its new website: http://www.socalmedicalmuseum.org

See the History of Medicine Unfold

In 1982 the Historical Committee of the San Bernardino County Medical Society (SBCMS), founded by Merlin A. Hendrickson, MD (SBCMS President 1964), was established to collect and preserve medical artifacts and record the history of medicine in the Inland Empire area. The mission of this committee led to the founding of the museum as a way to educate the public regarding the importance of medicine and its fascinating history.

The Museum consists of display cases housing a collection of medical artifacts, historical photographs of SBCMS presidents and hospitals in the county, a medical library with volumes dating back to 1843, artwork and photography by physicians, and a recreation of a doctor's office of the 1900-1920 era.

The collection is housed in cabinets arranged to emphasize the various specialties of medicine and to give the visitor an opportunity to learn about the instruments and tools that have been used in the past and at present.

Photograph exhibits display 101 of the SBCMS presidents, beginning with the first president, William Riley Fox, MD in 1878 to the current president. Other photographs show comparisons of modern hospitals to the older structures that they replaced.

The Medical Library is presented in oak and glass cases. The volumes cover a century of medicine, from the 1700s to 1925. In addition, there are histories of the hospitals in San Bernardino County, biographies of physicians and vintage photographs to preserve the history of medicine.

Works of art by physicians are displayed throughout the museum. Pottery, sculptures and other pieces have been crafted by physicians members and donated to the museum.

The Doctor's Office is a life size diorama which attempts to recreate the typical examination room of the 1900-1920 era. There are mannequins of a doctor seated at his roll-top desk and a mother and her child standing nearby. In the room are equipment and other items that might be found in an office. This exhibit is part of an ongoing project and will have further additions and restorations as funds and artifacts become available.

The Southern California Medical Museum is located at the San Bernardino County Medical Society offices at 3993 Jurupa Avenue, Riverside, CA 92506. The museum is open by appointment during business hours Monday through Friday (except holidays and scheduled events). Telephone: (951) 787-7700 or (909) 825-6526.

The museum is supported by donations and funds through the Physicians Memorial, Gift and Benevolence Fund, a 501C(3) charitable organization. Donations of medical equipment and books published prior to 1925 are encouraged; please call the SBCMS for further information, (951) 787-7700 or (909) 825-6526.

Be a Friend of the Museum. For as little as $25 a year (individual) or $50 a year (family) you can help support one of the few medical museums in California. Larger contributions ($500 or more) are recognized on a plaque. All contributions are tax deductible.