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Old records shed new light on Boston smallpox outbreaks in 1700s
Newly digitized records from the 18th century are shedding fresh light on devastating outbreaks of smallpox that hit the Boston area starting in 1721
By WILLIAM J. KOLEAssociated Press
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BOSTON A highly contagious disease originating far from America’s shores triggers deadly outbreaks that spread rapidly, infecting the masses. Shots are available, but a divided public agonizes over getting jabbed.
Sound familiar?
A page from a handwritten 18th century diary by the Rev. Ebenezer Storer, during a period of smallpox, in Boston in 1764.
American Ancestors & New England Historic Genealogical Society via Associated Press
Old records shed new light on smallpox outbreaks in 1700s
A highly contagious disease originating far from America s shores triggers deadly outbreaks that spread rapidly, infecting the masses. Newly digitized records including a minister s diary scanned and posted online by Boston s Congregational Library and Archives are shedding fresh light on devastating outbreaks of smallpox that hit the city in the 1700s. “How little we ve changed,” said CLA archivist Zachary Bodnar, who led the digitization…
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