The Marvin Samson Museum for the History of Pharmacy invites you to delve into the rich history of traditional Irish folk medicine. Featuring a selection of botanical specimens from the Museum collection alongside archival reproductions from the National Folklore Collection of Ireland, the display offers a glimpse of cures and remedies that have been passed down through generations in rural Ireland.

Established in 1935 by the Irish Folklore Commission, the National Folklore Collection is one of the world's largest folklore repositories. It captures Ireland's oral traditions, customs, and beliefs through a rich compilation of manuscripts, audio recordings, and photographs collected by folklorists, teachers, and students. The hand-written archival reproductions displayed here discuss remedies, cures, and healing properties attributed to various plants in rural Irish healing traditions. Some of these practices have even been scientifically validated, demonstrating the wisdom inherent in folk medicine.

The selection of newspaper reproductions also on display speaks to the intriguing intersection between rural Irish folk medicine and fairy folklore, in which sudden or unexplained illnesses and deformities were often attributed to fairy afflictions. People often resorted to using potent, and sometimes poisonous, plants to banish the changeling and cure the afflicted. The stories told in these newspaper archives document instances of real-life individuals who turned to these drastic ‘cures,’ often with fatal results. These historical accounts, viewed through the lens of modern medical knowledge, reveal a deep misunderstanding of conditions now recognized as medical ailments. An empathetic reading of these narratives grounded in an understanding of the state of medical knowledge and cultural beliefs of the time is crucial.

By presenting this nuanced narrative, "Herbs of Heritage: Ethnobotany in Irish Folklore" showcases the interdisciplinary nature of traditional medicine. It bridges the gap between ethnobotany, folklore, and medical history, offering a comprehensive understanding of how health and disease were perceived and treated in rural Ireland.

On view through March 2025.