The National Museum of Civil War Medicine is the center for the study and interpretation of the medical history of the War Between the States and the influence of Civil War medicine on modern medical practice. The Museum collects, exhibits, and preserves medical artifacts, manuscripts, books, and period documents, from 1861 through 1865 and is dedicated to increasing the public understanding of this era in medical history.

The Museum is housed in a three-story c1830 building which was a furniture store, funeral home, and also served as an embalming station during the Civil War, making it a contributing building to the Frederick City Historic District. The impetus for the project was the generous gifts of display material by private collectors and the U.S. Army.

Martinez+ Johnson Architecture began working with the Museum to help it determine the scope of the new facility and to assist fund-raising through grant proposals and public information sessions. M+J conducted a study of the interior of the building to determine how the existing structure might dictate the organization of the Museum. The components of the Museum include the interpretive display of smaller artifacts, a research center, an assembly area, offices, and a gift shop/orientation space. The exterior was also and documented. Through a dialogue with the Museum stakeholders, including the staff and Board of Trustees, an exhibition design firm, and local and state preservation groups, a series of design concepts were explored and tested. The Contractor and Construction Manager were selected early in the development process and became part of the project team, assisting with cost analysis and project guidance.