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230 North Stone Street - MAP
DeLand, FL 32720
Phone: 386-740-5800
About the Museum
 Currently a museum housing eight galleries and exhibits, the DeLand Memorial Hospital was originally built to serve the growing needs of a population expanded by the land boom era. In 1920, its cornerstone was placed, and in 1922 the completed building was dedicated to the service men of WWI.
In 1926, the smaller Burgess Building was built behind the main hospital to care for the needs of the Black community. Both facilities continued to provide surgical and obstetrical services until 1948 when hospital services were transferred to the former DeLand Naval Air Station awaiting the opening of Fish Memorial Hospital in 1952.
The hospital building remained functional for other purposes during the years following its closure as a medical facility. For a short time, it was used by Stetson University as a fraternity house. Then, for several years, it housed the administrative offices of the public school system.
Eventually, the building became empty and fell into severe disrepair. However, as a result of a grant from the Florida State Historic Preservation Board, the hospital was restored and rededicated on April 17, 1993 and is now listed in the Registry of Historic Buildings.
Today, the hospital contains not only the offices of the DeLand Parks and Recreation Department, but also the Bert Fish Room, as well as the Operating Room & Apothecary exhibit, the Veterans Gallery and the Ice & Electric exhibit. The Burgess Building houses the Hawtense Conrad Elephant Fantasyland, the West Volusia Black Heritage Gallery and Conrad's Toyland.
Appointed curator by the West Volusia Historical Society, Gilbert R. Seigworth, MD, undertook the task of furnishing the hospital's original operating room with vintage, historical equipment and artifacts. Using mannequins to represent the surgical team and patient, a display was created depicting an operating room of the 1920's.
 Large windows light the surgical arena. The lights and operating table used came from a navy ship that was to be sunk and used as an artificial reef.
Dr. Seigworth and his wife Ora stocked the Pharmacy Display with period pieces such as jars and other artifacts found in early pharmacies. This display recreates the atmosphere of a hospital dispensing department.
With the glow of the first street lights in 1887, the city of DeLand enjoyed the first electrical system in the state of Florida. This exhibit is owned and furnished by Bill and Jo Dreggors and is one of only a very few electrical museums in the country.
Among the very rare artifacts are vintage photos depicting the early history of the area's ice & electric business as well as a variety of early tools, equipment and appliances. Also displayed is an outstanding collection of insulators. Known once as the "jewels of the wires," these insulators range from every shape and size to every color of the rainbow.
Veterans Memorabilia
 This collection of military memorabilia contains some rare items representing a time period from the Revolutionary War to Desert Storm. Nazi glassware and china, flags and weapons from Germany and Japan are on display.
A large collection of finely crafted models was donated to the museum by Lacy Jones of Deltona. These aircraft models show the transition in military chronology from 1918 through 1990. Also featured in this exhibit are artifacts and photos from local men and women who served during World Wars I & II. We invite visitors to view the Veterans Memorial Wall located outside the museum. This structure features several plaques honoring veterans of WWI, WWII and the Korean Wars. There is also a special plaque honoring Charles Bailey and the Tuskegee Airmen.
The Veterans Memorial Wall
 We invite visitors to view the Veterans Memorial Wall located outside the museum. This structure features several plaques honoring veterans of WWI, WWII and the Korean Wars. There is also a special plaque honoring Charles Bailey and the Tuskegee Airmen.
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Visiting Hours/Contact Information
DeLand Memorial Hospital Museum
Visiting Hours: Wednesday thru Saturday - 10 am to 3 pm
230 North Stone Street - DeLand, Florida 32720
DeLand Parks & Recreation Department - 386.740.5800
Wednesday thru Saturday
10 A.M. to 3 P.M.
Pics
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The Gallery of
Veterans Memorabilia & DeLand Goes to War
The Veterans Memorial Wall
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