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Dive into the history of Pa. public health

Pocono Record - 2/24/2021

Feb. 24—With the one-year anniversary of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania approaching, the role of public health in the Keystone state has grown ever more important.

If you've ever been curious about the commonwealth's contributions to the world of medicine, now is your chance.

The Historical Society of Pennsylvania is offering an intriguing look into the development of health and medicine in the state at 6:30 p.m., March 4.

The digital event, to be held on Zoom, will feature an in-depth examination of resources in the HSP collection related to public health in Pa. Author/historian James Higgins will lead the way, according to the event's description. Higgins is a lecturer in history at Rider University.

The event is part of HSP's virtual programming series "From the Stacks", highlighting topics and materials from the society's collections— which is home to more than 21 items.

"The history of medicine in Pennsylvania is no less vital to understanding the state's past than is its political or industrial history," writes Higgins in The Health of the Commonwealth, his overview of medicine and public health in the state.

The tome, published by Temple University Press, covers epidemics such as yellow fever in 1793, the Legionnaires' Disease breakout of 1976, as well as challenges faced in the commonwealth at present.

"Higgins shows how Pennsylvania has played a central role in humanity's understanding of—and progress against—disease." The event description says.

Andrew T. Simpson, Assistant Professor of History at Duquesne University called Higgins' book "clearly written and accessible" in a review posted by Temple University Press.

"By complicating the narrative of Pennsylvania's past and its post-industrial future, Higgins provides an important resource for students and citizens to help inform ongoing discussions about the future of the Commonwealth." Simpson said.

Among the records to be examined are the papers of scientist Samuel Gibson Dixon, president of the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Science, and the first ever commissioner of health for Pa.

Dixon's papers cover 40 years of medical history in the Keystone state, as well as information concerning hospitals and nursing in Philadelphia and Pa.

If you go

What: From the Stacks — HSP's Collection and the Story of Pennsylvania's Health

When: 6:30 p.m., March 4. Sales end March 2.

Where: Online webinar via Zoom. Register for link.

Cost: $10 general admission plus $1.19 fee, free for friends of HSP or students/fellows.

For more information and to sign up for the event, go to tinyurl.com/92tsx8b7

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