Now Available

To Heal Without Drugs or Surgery:
The Weltmer Institute of Nevada, Missouri
Traveling Exhibit 

      This traveling exhibit explores the history of the Weltmer Institute, an alternative medical school and clinic founded by Sidney A. Weltmer in Nevada, Missouri just before the turn of the twentieth century. The Institute taught and practiced a healing method called “suggestive therapeutics” that included hypnotism and “magnetic healing.” As a philosophical descendant of eighteenth-century Austrian physician Franz Anton Mesmer, Sidney Weltmer believed he could manipulate an invisible force known as animal magnetism to cure disease. Weltmer’s practices brought him into legal conflict with the orthodox medical community, Christian clergy, and the United States government, even as his business enterprise created a major economic boom in Nevada, Missouri.

     The exhibit consists of nine free-standing 7.5-foot-tall banners which can be arranged in groups or one long row, requiring at least 40 linear feet of space and an 8-foot-tall ceiling. Loan periods are negotiable but will typically range from 6-8 weeks. Historical societies and other cultural institutions in Missouri may borrow the exhibit free of charge if picking it up in person or for the cost of shipping to your location. Will Tollerton, the exhibit creator, is available to give a public address about Weltmer Institute for a fee of $150.00+mileage. Call the Bushwhacker Museum at (417)667-9602 to book the exhibit for your town.

Current Tour Schedule

October 14-December 9, 2024

Cass County Museum
400 E. Mechanic St.
Harrisonville, MO

March 24-April 14, 2025

Henry County Museum
203 W. Franklin St.
Clinton, MO

Sponsors of
To Heal Without Drugs or Surgery
Include:

James & Deborah Tollerton

Leigh Volkland & Ken Royal

Richard & Lyn Jones

Ed & Diane Persike

Sandy Chaney & David Grier

Greg Hoffman

Sheryl Mowry

Clarisse Teepe-Fryrear

Rotary Club of Nevada