Reading period access: From May 1 to May 13, access to the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center and the Fisher Fine Arts Library will be limited to PennCard holders and other Penn affiliates. Find more information.

Home Link Icon

Exploring Epidemics in Philadelphia: Yellow Fever and COVID 

In conjunction with the National Library of Medicine travelling exhibition Politics of Yellow Fever in Alexander Hamilton’s America, this panel brings historians and physicians together to explore and discuss two important epidemics in Philadelphia. 

This event has already occurred

calendar_month
February 25, 2025, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
location_on
Kislak Center Class of 1978 Orrery Pavilion, 6th Floor, Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center
group
Open to the Public
RSVP

Hosted by: Kislak Center and Holman Biotech Commons

Black and white illustration of a historical view of the city of Philadelphia from the river, with three lines of coffins forming an arch above the skyline and a figure on the riverbank with arms raised

In conjunction with the National Library of Medicine travelling exhibition Politics of Yellow Fever in Alexander Hamilton’s America, on view from February 5 to March 15 in the Holman Biotech Commons, this panel aims to explore and discuss two important epidemics in Philadelphia. 

Using the historical example of the 1793 yellow fever epidemic and the contemporary example of the COVID-19 pandemic, this program will bring together historians and physicians to examine the evidence around how epidemics unfold and who is held accountable as they do.

Panelists

  • David Barnes, PhD, Associate Professor, History & Sociology of Science, University of Pennsylvania
  • Carolyn Cannuscio, ScD, Associate Professor, Family Medicine and Community Health, Perelman School of Medicine and Associate Professor, History and Sociology of Science, School of Arts and Sciences
  • Rana Hogarth, PhD, Associate Professor, History & Sociology of Science, University of Pennsylvania

  • Ala Stanford, M.D., Founder, Black Doctors Consortium; Professor of Practice, Department of Biology in the School of Arts & Sciences; Director of Community Outreach, Penn Institute for RNA Innovation; Research Associate, Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania

Featured image: Woodcut of Onesimus’ vision of Philadelphia with caskets in the sky over the city, from The Doctrine of the New Birth (Philadelphia: Rackliff, 1839) (RBC AC8 H4998 839d)

Event Series

America 250 at Penn logo over an image of signatures

America 250 at Penn

The University of Pennsylvania, located in the heart of the city, was at the center of the dramatic events of 1776 and the Revolution that followed. 250 years later, partners across the university are exploring how history can help us better understand the present and create a sustainable and inclusive future.

Maps and More

Campus Libraries Map

Staff Information

Resources for Staff Committees