This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

A new online exhibit tells the story of the department’s beginnings, profiles leading contributors to its development and highlights some of the department’s contributions to the field of anesthesiology.

The exhibit features various tools and equipment used by nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists in the 20th century, including wire-mesh anesthesia masks, a wax model illustrating an intravenous anesthesia technique, a Fluothane administering device and various types of needles. In addition to artifacts, the exhibit presents photographs and biographies of key nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists.

Curious to learn more about the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine’s history and contributions? Explore this webpage for more information, including a timeline, statistics, notable names and centennial celebration updates.

The photograph above shows nurse anesthetist Alice Magaw administering anesthetic during a surgery at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, in the early 1900s.