The Country Doctor Museum

The Country Doctor Museum’s original building was built from two 19th century country doctor’s office buildings. Now known as the “Freeman-Brantley Building,” this historic structure houses the museum’s displays on pharmacy, surgery, and a turn-of-the-20th-century sick room.

Ready the Remedy!

Ready the Remedy! Making Medicine with the Druggist and the Doctor

Take a closer look at how doctors and pharmacists mixed and dispensed medicine to their patients. This exhibit is now on view at ECU’s Family Medicine Center.

Where in the World is Dr. Pittman?

In the mid-19th century, Dr. Newsom Jones Pittman of Edgecombe County, NC, made his way to Europe to learn about new medical techniques and surgeries.

Travel along with Pittman from details gleaned from his 1851-1953 daily journals in this exhibit now on view at ECU’s Brody School of Medicine.

Make Haste!

Take a quick peek at a new collection of artifacts now on display in our transportation cabinet. These medical emblems or medallions were attached to car license plates by doctors, pharmacists, and nurses earlier in the 20^th century. The emblem would signify to local law enforcement that the car speeding through town or double-parked belonged to a medical professional most likely on an urgent call.

Surgery Becomes a Specialty

During the museum tour, guests will learn how 19th century developments in surgery, including anesthesia, germ theory and antiseptics, enabled some physicians to become specialists in surgery.

The Country Doctor Museum is open
Tuesday – Saturday,
10am – 4pm.
Visiting the museum is only through guided tours.
Tours are offered on the hour, every hour from 10am to 3pm.
The last tour of the day is offered at 3pm.

The museum will be CLOSED November 27-29 and
December 16, 2025 - January 5, 2026 for the holidays.
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The Country Doctor Museum accepts
cashless payments only for admission and gift shop sales.
The museum accepts Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards.

See What Our Guests Say!

We think the Country Doctor Museum is something special, but don't just take our word for it.

Named as one of the “35 of North Carolina’s Most Unforgettable Museums” by Our State Magazine

October 2020

Always pass by the sign on the highway on my drive to Greenville and one day finally made a plan to visit. So glad I did! Incredible museum with wonderful bits of NC specific medical history.

Hannah R. - July 2025

… all of the exhibits are wonderfully preserved, and our guide made the tour come to life!

M.S. - July 2025

Suprisingly fun tour! Worth a visit!

Gloria C. - May 2024

This is a great little hidden gem. My wife and I have passed the sign on Hwy 264 many times and finally decided to stop today. We’re glad we did …

Tim M. - February 2023

Really enjoyed our Homeschool field trip to the museum! The tour was very interesting and informative and they even had a hands on activity for us at the end. Thank you!!

Katherine E. - October 2022

Absolute highlight of the trip, super interesting place, and Lizzie was an epic tour guide, very knowledgeable and fun.

Chris V. - February 2023

Mission Statement

The Country Doctor Museum is dedicated to interpreting the history of medicine in rural America.