Home  / Themes  / Hidden Histories

Hidden Histories

The objects here aim to shine a light on medical stories which have often gone untold. Some of them relate to people and groups who have been marginalised for centuries and who still face additional barriers to accessing healthcare. Others aim to add further context to the work of celebrated surgeons by highlighting their more controversial or unethical practices.  

The project aims to redress some of the imbalance in traditional medical narratives, and to encourage us all to think about whose stories are missing. 

These objects have been selected and researched by a dedicated group of MA students and volunteers working in partnership with the museum.


Controversial Surgeons
Controversial Surgeons

The darker deeds of influential medical figures

Dividing Society
Dividing Society

Policies to dehumanise and separate social groups

LGBTQ+ Stories
LGBTQ+ Stories

Objects with links to LGBTQ+ groups and individuals

Medical Bias
Medical Bias

Prejudices affecting access to healthcare

Reframing Disability
Reframing Disability

Attitudes and approaches to disability across time

Unsung Heroes
Unsung Heroes

Medical achievements of undercelebrated individuals