(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)February 14, 2020

MAHWAH, N.J. – Ramapo College alumnus Peter C. Miele ’11 was the guest speaker for the presentation “Much May Be Done to Advance Science: Medicine in the Civil War and Ties to the Present,” which brought to light how medical professionals still employ today patient care methods that were used during the Civil War. Miele is the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Education at the Seminary Ridge Museum in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. His talk drew on the exhibits at the museum, and on the educational work they do there. The event was sponsored by the College’s program in Museum and Exhibition Studies and the School of Humanities and Global Studies.

“We are very excited to now have a minor program in Museum and Exhibition Studies,” said Stephen Rice, Professor of American Studies and the organizer of the event. “So many students love going to museums, and they now have a place to learn more about the history and practices of these important institutions.”

In his talk, Miele pointed out that the American Civil War has long been considered the “Medical Middle Ages,” where doctors knew very little about how to care for wounded soldiers. In reality, he explained, surgeons made great strides in care and surgery, much of which is still used in hospitals and mass-casualty situations.

Miele studied history at Ramapo and received a certificate in secondary education. He now uses the medical lessons of the Civil War to teach students, professionals and the public about care, decision-making and innovations in the present and the future. He has presented discussions on topics such as the 19th century opioid addiction and its impact on Civil War veterans, and the African-American experience and barriers of service during the Civil War.

“It was wonderful having Pete back on campus,” said Rice. “His talk was great, and he took the time to visit the ‘Museums in America’ class to share his experiences about getting into the museum field.”

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About Ramapo College

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The comprehensive college is situated among the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, is within commuting distance to New York City, was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by CondeNast Traveler, and boasts the best on-campus housing in New Jersey per Niche.com. Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

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