October 17, 2011

Historian will discuss smallpox epidemics Oct. 21

Michael Willrich (photo courtesy Brandeis University)

Michael Willrich, associate professor of history at Brandeis University, will discuss his book Pox: An American History at noon Friday, Oct. 21, in Light Hall, Room 208.

Willrich’s book tells the story of the great wave of smallpox epidemics that struck America and its overseas territories around the turn of the 20th century, spurring the growth of modern public health authority and engendering widespread social and legal opposition to the government policy of compulsory vaccination.

The talk is part of Vanderbilt School of Medicine’s Dean’s Lecture Series. Lunch will be provided with an R.S.V.P.

R.S.V.P. online by noon Thursday, Oct. 20.

Contact: Sarah Creekmore Woodall, (615) 322-5007
sarah.c.woodall@vanderbilt.edu