Entry No. 1 — the Monterey file — filed under: medical museum

Medical History Museum at Salinas Valley Health

Appendix slices sliced into discs and preserved in paraffin wax hang under a sign asking "Could one of these be yours?" next to a two-sided Civil War amputation blade (flesh on one edge, bone on the other) and a 1920s radium-lined Revigator water crock that still sets off a donated Geiger counter.

The move: Wander the free basement displays on your own during weekday business hours, or call ahead to have a volunteer docent walk you through the eyes/ears case, the OB-GYN case, and the wall of five different-colored bedpans.

• 📍 Salinas
• 💸 $$
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Indoors

Where: 450 E. Romie Lane, Salinas, CA 93901 (Sam Downing Building, basement level, under the parking garage)

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: montereycountynow.com · Official site

last checked: 2026-07-20