Walter Reed’s birthplace at Belroi in Gloucester will come alive on Saturday with a full-scale celebration of the famed physician’s 171st birthday.

Reed, remembered for his work investigating the spread of typhoid and yellow fever in military camps, was born in the small dwelling on Sept. 13, 1851, while his father, a Methodist clergyman, served congregations nearby.

The house will be open for tours, and many other activities representative of the period are planned, a release said. The celebration is organized by the Fairfield Foundation, which works with the Gloucester Preservation Foundation to maintain and interpret the property.

These activities are planned, in addition to the tours:

Riverside Walter Reed Hospital, which opened Sept. 11, 1977, will provide information on infection prevention;

Cheryl Dale, president of Mathews Bay Quilters, will demonstrate period quilting and invite visitors to try the method;

A quilt handmade by Bonnie Betz of Bay Quilters will...