Containing Diseases: How Vaccinations Changed History
Throughout world and American history epidemics and pandemics have claimed the lives of millions, changed the course of history, and sparked innovation. What impacts have outbreaks had on local history? Who has been affected by these diseases? How have epidemics been contained? Mary Cooper Miller, Teresa Guiltner, and Kathy Clements will answer these questions and more Sunday, May 15, 2 p.m. at Old Independence Regional Museum.
Cooper will begin the program by discussing past epidemics and how vaccines led to the eradication of some diseases in the United States. Guiltner, a nurse at the health department, will share which vaccinations are currently administered and their importance. Finally, Clements will share her family’s experiences with epidemics including polio and diphtheria. “An epidemic spread rapidly and caused many, many deaths before its course was run,” said Miller.
Before vaccinations, a disease could kill thousands in a matter of days or weeks. “Along with sanitation and pure water, the advent of vaccinations did more to save children’s lives than anything up to that time,” added Miller. Since vaccinations were invented, many diseases have been eradicated and many more are on the brink.
This humanities program is made possible by local support from Independence County and the City of Batesville, as well as by Challenge Grant Endowment funding from the National Endowment of the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Old Independence serves a 12-county area: Baxter, Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Marion, Poinsett, Sharp, Stone, White, and Woodruff. Parts of these present-day counties comprised the original Independence County in 1820s Arkansas territory.
The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for seniors and $1.00 for children. The museum is located at 380 South 9th street, between Boswell and Vine Streets in Batesville. During your visit, stop by our gift shop. We stock many items from local artists, authors, and crafters, as well as historical toys and games.
