For Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD — Tucked in a corner of the Melvin R. Laird Center on the Marshfield Clinic campus in Marshfield is a room that offers a glimpse into the past.

From old surgical instruments to house call doctor’s bags, the relics have patiently awaited their public debut.

This June Marshfield Clinic invites the community to experience its 100-year history; witness the evolution of patient care, research, and education; and imagine what the future has in store.

Marshfield Clinic’s Historical Artifacts Exhibit will be open to the public June 6-17 at New Visions Gallery in the lobby of Marshfield Clinic, 1000 N. Oak Ave. The exhibit will feature Marshfield Clinic artifacts from the past 100 years, a timeline of significant events, and a chance for attendees to share their own Marshfield Clinic memories.

A special exhibit open house will be from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, as part of the 100th anniversary celebration. The public is invited to speak with Marshfield Clinic leaders and providers.

“We’ve stored Dr. Lawton’s surgical shoes for years waiting for this event,” said Brian Finnegan, George E. Magnin Medical Library and History Archive manager, about renowned Marshfield Clinic thoracic surgeon Dr. Ben Lawton. “We are excited to bring these items out and share them with everyone. Many of these items showcase the medical advances that have occurred the past 100 years.”

Alana Ziaya, former manager of the Marshfield Clinic History Archive, said most Marshfield area residents and Marshfield Clinic employees have never seen the extensive collection of books, papers, and historic items that represent the clinic’s first 100 years. Many were first collected by Marshfield Clinic historian Dr. G. Stanley Custer.

“I hope visitors to this special exhibit will be surprised and delighted that we have been able to preserve such historic treasures,” Ziaya said.

The Historical Artifacts Exhibit is part of Marshfield Clinic’s 100-year anniversary community celebration events in 2016. In addition to the exhibit, Marshfield Clinic’s Legacy Week will take place Oct. 10-14 and will include presentations, tours, and special events.

“I am so excited about our 100th anniversary celebration this year,” said Dr. Susan Turney, Marshfield Clinic Health System CEO. “Our six founding physicians believed patient care, research, and education were important, and we still follow those principles today. Like all health care organizations, Marshfield Clinic works in a world that is ever-changing. What will not change is our century-strong commitment to being a regional destination for world-class patient care, a major job creator, and contributor to the local economy.”

Marshfield Clinic’s Historical Artifacts Exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Maree Stewart, development special events coordinator, at 715-389-3257 or stewart.maree@marshfieldclinic.org.