The epidemics that swept through Alaska Native villages in the early 20th century are among the most tragic and least known events in Alaska history. Entire communities perished, and the impacts are still felt. In his new book, The Great Death, author John Smelcer explores these terrible events in fiction, using an extraordinary story from his own family history. In the second half of the show, Dr. Tom Nighswander explains the science of the epidemics. Listen to Hometown, Alaska Wednesday at 2:00 pm, repeating at 7:00 pm.
- Lit Site Alaska: Epidemics and Pandemic Flu of 1918-1919
- Book recommended by Dr. Nighswander: Chills and Fever: Health and Disease in the Early History of Alaska By Robert Fortuine
Download Audio (MP3)
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HOST: Charles Wohlforth, independent journalist and Alaskan author
GUESTS:
- John Smelcer, author of The Great Death
- Dr. Tom Nighswander, physician, Alaska Native Medical Center; Assistant Regional Dean of the Alaska WWAMI medical school program
LIVE: Wed, September 1, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.
REPEAT: Wed, September 1, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
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