AMERICAN MUSEUM OF VETERINARY MEDICINE PURCHASES HISTORIC FARMSTEAD IN PENNSYLVANIA

March 24, 2007, Berks County, PA….The American Museum of Veterinary Medicine (AMVM) announced it now has a permanent home, with the purchase of historic Ridgewood Farm, Berks County, Pennsylvania. The farm will once again focus on animals, and the profession who cares for their health and welfare.

The property includes a stone farmhouse, built in two sections, circa 1740 and 1811, a rare 1809 double bank barn, a smoke house, wagon shed, root cellar and other outbuildings that will be adapted to museum use. It is easily accessible, located along Route 724, one quarter mile east of Interstate 176, Cumru Township.

The farm is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Museum collection is extensive – veterinary instruments, pharmaceuticals and equipment used 150 years ago to present; an U.S. Army Veterinarian Corp WWI uniform and saddle; and a library of 6,000 books in eight languages, dating from the 17th century.

Of special note is the ASPCA Roger Caras Library, which in addition to the 72 books he wrote, has the 3,000 volumes he used for his personal research. Mr. Caras was a professional photographer, television commentator, announcer of the Westminster Dog Show and ASPCA President.

His books cover a myriad of animal and nature subjects, including 600 books on birds of the world, butterflies and moths, aquatic life, elephants, giraffes, snakes, rodents, bees, horses, dogs and cats.

The museum will be a place to explore how disease prevention and treatment by practitioners and the twenty boarded specialists such as dentistry and ophthalmology form the backbone of the veterinary profession.

“Ultimately we envision the AMVM to be known throughout America for its vibrant changing interactive museum exhibits,” said Dr. Max Herman, AMVM President.

He noted that museum plans include a seventy-seat movie theater/auditorium and education center, a comprehensive research library, a recreated veterinary hospital, a meeting annex with additional displays and space to store and catalogue artifacts, and a virtual online museum to reach the international audience.

The Museum is currently open by appointment and periodic Open Houses.

For more information about the American Museum of Veterinary Medicine, call 610-898-0659, or log onto the website: www.amvm.org.

Contacts:
Max J. Herman VMD, Diplomate AVDC
President: American Museum of Veterinary Medicine
5003A Main Street
Birdsboro, PA 19508
dentlmax@aol.com
610-489-1229

Lorah Hopkins
riverlor@earthlink.net
610-207-0668