Join a captivating private tour of the McDowell House Museum in Danville, KY, and witness the birthplace of modern abdominal surgery. Experience rich stories of courage and medical breakthroughs that shaped history.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the tour involves gentle walking and standing.
Wildlife
History
The McDowell House is where Dr. Ephraim McDowell completed the world’s first successful laparotomy, a landmark in surgical history.
Conservation
Efforts are in place to preserve the historic structure and grounds while promoting sustainable tourism practices in Danville.
McDowell House Museum
Join a captivating private tour of the McDowell House Museum in Danville, KY, and witness the birthplace of modern abdominal surgery. Experience rich stories of courage and medical breakthroughs that shaped history.
McDowell House Museum preserves the restored home of Dr. Ephraim McDowell in Danville, Kentucky, the site where the first successful ovariotomy (abdominal surgery) was performed in 1809. As a National Historic Landmark, the museum interprets a pivotal moment in medical history and presents the life, practice, and innovations of a pioneering surgeon. Visitors can join guided McDowell House Museum Tours that walk through period rooms, medical instruments, and museum exhibits that document early surgical techniques and the social history of the era. The museum also offers After Hours Tours for a more intimate, guided experience that highlights the dramatic 1809 operation and its broader impact on medicine.
Interpretive staff and trained guides lead tours that combine architectural conservation, medical history, and personal stories to place Dr. McDowell’s achievement in context. The museum maintains the historic structure and curated collections to support education and public understanding. Located in downtown Danville, the site attracts visitors interested in medical milestones, early American history, and historic preservation. As a designated National Historic Landmark, the McDowell House Museum is recognized for its national significance and is included in the official registry of places important to United States history. Guests are encouraged to book guided tours to experience the restored home and learn how an 1809 operation changed surgical practice. The museum’s programming centers on factual interpretation of Dr. McDowell’s work, the 1809 case, and the house as a preserved historic place.
Detailed exhibits and guided commentary document the 1809 procedure and its historical participants today.
National Landmark
Designated NHL
Recognized for national significance
Historic First
First abdominal surgery (1809)
Milestone in surgical history
Location
Danville, Kentucky
Historic downtown site
Tours Offered
Day & After Hours
Guided tours available
Book daytime or After Hours tours in Danville, Kentucky to experience the house where modern abdominal surgery began.
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Tours include walking around the historic grounds, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Bring a bottle of water
Stay hydrated during your outdoor tour, especially during warmer months.
Check tour availability in advance
Private tours can fill up, so early booking ensures your preferred date and time.
Photography is allowed
Capture historic architecture and exhibits, but avoid flash near delicate artifacts.
Comfortable walking shoes
Ensures comfort for walking around the museum grounds.
Water bottle
Helps stay hydrated during warmer months.
summer
Light jacket or sweater
Protects against cool breezes during spring tours.
spring
Camera or smartphone
Useful for capturing photos of the historic house and artifacts.