The brochure of our 2016 programming in medicine, history, and the humanities is now available. We are excited by the range of presenters, topics, and themes we are presenting this year; we think there’s something for everyone and hope you agree.

Click to download the 2016 Cultural Programming brochure.

This year’s special series is “Changemakers: Activism and Advocacy for Health,” showcasing the role of activism in creating change in medicine and health. Join us to hear Alice Dreger reflect on the impact of 25 years of advocacy by the Intersex Patient Rights Movement; Merlin Chowkwanyun explore New York City health activism in the 1970s and the activities of the Lincoln Collective; Diane Kiesel describe the legacy of African American obstetrician and civil rights activist Dorothy Ferebee; and Gabriela Soto Laveaga discuss medical activism in Mexico, asking what it means to be a physician activist in a middle income or poor country.

This year’s history of medicine series includes a look at the historical and cultural context of a number of today’s urgent health challenges. Sonia Shah moderates a panel exploring the history and future of emerging diseases, and the social, political, and scientific drivers that turn these new pathogens into pandemics; Alondra Nelson examines The Social Life of DNA, looking at how the double helix has wound its way into the heart of contemporary social issues around race; and Scott Podolsky analyzes the far-reaching history of antibiotics and their use, and the implications of this history for the emerging possibility of a “post-antibiotic” era.

Other highlights include our second  “After Hours” series with Atlas Obscura featuring highlights of our rare book collections, and our annual Friends of the Rare Book Room lecture with Caroline Duroselle-Melish, who explores the illustrations of last great Renaissance encyclopedia of natural history.

Our annual Friends lecture is open to all. Our Friends of the Rare Book Room also receive invites to special lectures, programs, behind-the-scenes excursions, receptions, and visits to private collections. Join the Friends at any level before the annual Friends lecture to receive our tote bag and an invitation to the post-lecture reception on April 6.

Download our 2016 programming brochure for more details about all these events and more. Additional programming, including interactive workshops and reading groups, will be announced throughout the year. Sign up here to keep up to date with the latest news.

We look forward to seeing you throughout the year!