“Almira Fifield, M.D.” State Historical Marker To Be Dedicated in Valparaiso

A new Indiana state historical marker commemorating Dr. Almira Fifield will be dedicated on Saturday, June 21. The public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony, which will take place on Franklin St., just south of the Porter County Museum in Valparaiso. at 11 a.m. (CT). Parking is available along side streets in the area. 

The new historical marker commemorates Dr. Fifield’s contributions during the Civil War and highlights the work done by women in the medical field in the 1800s despite the obstacles they faced. It is sponsored by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, the Porter County Museum, Porter County Library Genealogy Center, William Henry Harrison Chapter DAR, and the Fifield family. Following the marker dedication, attendees are welcome to attend a rededication of Dr. Almira Fifield and the family’s grave at the Old City Cemetery, located at 403 Union Street in Valparaiso. 

The text follows for the state marker entitled “Almira Fifield, M.D.:” 

Dr. Almira Fifield and her family settled in Valparaiso by 1842. At a young age, she devoted herself to serving others. She worked as a teacher but left for Boston in 1857 to attend the New England Female Medical College, an early medical school for women. She earned her degree in 1859, making her one of the first formally trained female physicians in Indiana. Despite a need for physicians, female doctors were not recruited during the Civil War, so Dr. Fifield applied as a nurse for the 9th Indiana Infantry, her brother’s unit. In 1862, the U.S. Sanitary Commission sent her to a Kentucky hospital. A surgeon recognized and used her medical skills in dressing wounds in a recovery ward. Fifield died while treating Union soldiers.

State historical markers commemorate significant individuals, organizations, places, and events in Indiana history. These markers help communities throughout the state promote, preserve, and present their history for the education and enjoyment of residents and tourists of all ages. For over 100 years, the Indiana Historical Bureau, a division of the Indiana State Library, has been marking Indiana history. Since 1946, the marker format has been the large roadside marker, which has the familiar dark blue background with gold lettering and the outline of the state of Indiana at the top. Over 750 of these markers have been installed over the years. The marker is the sixth standing state historical marker in Porter County. For a listing of all markers in Porter County and statewide, click here. 

For more information about the Indiana Historical Marker Program, including details on this marker, a listing of other markers in the state, or other resources about Indiana history, visit the Indiana Historical Bureau’s website at http://www.IN.gov/history or call 317-232-2535. For more information on the dedication, contact marker applicant Barbara Brandt at [email protected].