ASRT Museum and Archives 

ASRT Museum and Archives
Artifact Alley

An ongoing series of in-depth videos exploring topics from the history of the profession.

  • The World's Greatest Technician

    Every radiologic technologist knows the name of Wilhelm Roentgen and the fact that he discovered X-Rays on November 8th 1895. There is however, another name that is equally important in the history of radiology and in many ways even of greater significance to the profession of radiologic technology. This is the story of Ed Jerman, a pioneer of radiologic technology and founder of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.

  • X-ray in a Suitcase

    In this episode of Artifact Alley, Bill Brennan, associate executive director of the ASRT Museum and Archives discusses two very interesting X-ray machines from the very early 1900’s: Campbell’s Model E Portable High Frequency and X-Ray Coil and the McIntosh No. 6 Portable X-Ray Coil. These machines were not only used to produce X-rays but also could be used for the purpose of diathermy therapy or as a cautery units. The best part is that they fit in a suitcase. Can you say house call?

  • Operation X-ray

    This episode of Artifact Alley honors those courageous patriots who have served bravely in the U.S. Armed Forces. Throughout its history the military has contributed to the advancement of medical imaging. The ASRT Museum and Archives honors our veterans every day with exhibits detailing the role of the U.S. military in advancing medical imaging. Join us as we review some of history’s military conflicts as well as the individuals and companies that stepped up to create imaging innovations that helped provide care for our soldiers in the field.

  • TB or Not TB

    Tuberculosis has been with the human race for as long as they have been walking the earth. Here we not only explore the disease but also the huge role that X-ray had in fighting this pandemic utilizing tools such as Mass Miniature Radiography. Learn how Christmas Seals became the first public service campaign to encourage people to get chest x-rays so they could be diagnosed.

  • If a Picture is Worth a 1000 Words

    This visit to Artifact Alley features Greg Morrison, Executive Director of the ASRT Museum and Archives, as he explains the evolution of dynamic radiologic imaging known as fluoroscopy. What was Thomas Edison’s role in its development? Did he really deserve all the credit? In this episode you will see some of the strangest looking contraptions from radiology’s past.

  • Eye Opener

    In this edition of Artifact Alley, we explain historical methods of intraocular localization of foreign bodies. Today patients have the benefit of imaging modalities like CT Scan and ultrasound to quickly and painlessly find objects lodged in their eyes. However, this was not always the case. Learn about some of the tools that radiologic technologists of the past used to create images of the eyeball. These methods were frequently uncomfortable for the patient and even required post procedural bedrest and the use of leeches.

  • Simply the Best…Nun Better

    The history of the radiologic technology profession is replete with many brilliant individuals that helped to move the profession forward but there is one group of RT’s that influenced the practice of radiologic technology more than any other. In this episode of Artifact Alley, Associate Executive Director of the ASRT Museum and Archives, Bill Brennan, examines the huge role that Catholic nuns played in the story of x-ray and the debt that technologists everywhere owe them.

  • Prepare for the Worst

    Once upon a time in the United States most of our citizenry lived with the frightening thought that they might suffer an imminent nuclear attack from our enemies. This dark period in our history was called the “Cold War” and Americans across the country were told to prepare themselves for this looming specter. In this episode of Artifact Alley, learn what caused this threat and how radiologic technologists, as well as the ASRT, stepped up to answer the call of Civil Defense preparedness.

  • The First Lady of X-ray

    In this episode of Artifact Alley, we learn about one of the pioneers of our national organization. Margaret Hoing has been called the “First Lady of X-Ray,“ and for good reason. Greg Morrison, deputy CEO and executive director of the Museum, will explain how this remarkable woman dedicated her life to the advancement of our profession and to the organization today known as the ASRT.

  • What's in a Name Part I

    What’s in a name? In part one of a two part series, Associate Executive Director of the ASRT Museum and Archives, Bill Brennan, takes a look at how manufacturers and advertisers in the 1920s and 30s seized on the public’s fascination with x-rays and radium to name their products, even though they had nothing to do with either and did not emit any radioactivity at all.

  • What's in a Name Part II (The Quacks)

    What’s in a name? In the second part of this series, “Artifact Alley” explores the once-common and dubious practice of selling radioactive products hawked by quacks and con men that were supposed to cure all human ailments but instead caused great pain and suffering to a gullible public.

Contact ASRT Museum and Archives

Email museum@asrt.org or Visit our /ASRTMuseum

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