‘NYC’s Public Health System: A Fight Against the Invisible Enemy’ Webinar

Flashback to the summer of 1793. With Philadelphia under attack from an invisible enemy called Yellow Fever, a group of leading doctors in New York City got together and convinced the government to block all ships from the nation’s then-capital. Realizing that quarantining would not be enough, and to control this deadly disease, the city and state began enacting sanitary protocols on a scale never before attempted — this is the story of how protecting the health of New Yorkers got its start over 200 years ago.

Join New York Adventure Club for a deep dive into the genesis of New York’s public health system, and how the city’s fight against disease would transition from purely reactive to proactive initiatives that would serve as a model for other cities throughout the world.

Led by writer, historian, and New York City tour guide Lucie Levine, our unique virtual experience will include:

• How Yellow Fever led to the creation of the New York City Board of Health in 1805, and what actions they took to improve public health during the epidemic
• The story of John Pintard and why he was chosen to be New York’s first health commissioner in 1804
• A look at New York’s most innovative public health projects of the 19th and early 20th century, including the Old Croton Aqueduct, New York City sewer system, and first public health laboratory that applied bacteriological knowledge to prevent and control disease
• A discussion around some of the most notable moments in New York’s public health history, such as the successful use of contact tracing to locate “Typhoid Mary” Mallon in 1907, the most notorious infectious disease carrier of the 20th century

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Lucie — any and all questions about New York’s public health system are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually! $10.

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Lucie

Lucie Levine is a writer, historian, and New York City tour guide. She founded Archive on Parade, a historical tour and event company that takes New York’s history out of the archives and into the streets.

She has collaborated with institutions including The Municipal Art Society, The Historic Districts Council, The New York Public Library, The 92nd Street Y, The St. Regis Hotel, Village Preservation, The American Institute of Architects, The NYC Department of Transportation, and Landmarks West to offer exciting tours, lectures and community events all over town.

She is also the Public Programs Consultant at FRIENDS of the Upper East Side Historic Districts, and Contributing History Writer at 6sqft.

Testimonials

“Speaker was articulate and entertaining. Subject matter was very interesting and well presented” -Lynn

“The subject matter could not have been more timely or relevant to the era that we are living through today. Hearing the stories of the brave and visionary actors who shaped our current public health system gives me hope for our future.” -Susan

“Lots of good content, well-selected historical photos, enthusiastic speaker” -Ron

“The lecturer was clearly well-informed and had done research sufficient to make this an accurate presentation.” -Laura

“I learned a lot, especially the biographies of many important figures in NYC history. Thanks so much.” -Doris

“I am a nurse but I did not know all this history and I have worked in public health here in Boston and in Chicago our prior home for a while. I really appreciate the history and the detail in that history.” -Sharon

“I knew little to nothing about this topic now i’m interested in learning more” -Melissa

“Lucie is so articulate and witty. She is a really good storyteller and makes history that could be “dry” come alive. Her information was interesting and accessible, and I also like how she drew connections between the past and present.” -Stephanie

“Lucie was extremely knowledgeable and personable.” -Eileen