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Landmark Lecture: A Whiff of Illness: Fighting Stench & Protecting Health in the 19th Century City

November 8, 2022 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Shortly after president-elect James Buchanan arrived in Washington, D.C. in 1857, a mysterious illness afflicted him and other guests at the National Hotel. Some feared an assassination attempt until physicians discovered a faulty plumbing connection that released foul odors into the hotel’s air. In this period before germ theory, Americans believed that miasmas or bad airs affected health. Join Dr. Melanie Kiechle and hear how 19th century Americans’ concerns about fresh air and foul odors shaped urban development, indoors and out, as city residents sought to protect the air they breathed.

Dr. Melanie Kiechle is an associate professor of history at Virginia Tech. She is interested in the intersection of culture, environment, cities, health and smells.  Check out Dr. Kiechle’s book, Smell Detectivesfrom the University of Washington Press.

Members: Free | Non-members: Free

 

Note: This program will be held LIVE at Tudor Place and  virtually. Click here for more information about Tudor Place’s health & safety guidelines.

In-Person Registration Link: Click here.

Virtual Registration Link: Click here You will be sent instructions on how to access the virtual event one day before the event.

Details

Date:
November 8, 2022
Time:
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Event Categories:
, , ,

Venue

Tudor Place

Details

Date:
November 8, 2022
Time:
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Event Categories:
, , ,

Venue

Tudor Place