Burial Hill History Tour Series – Independency in the Shadow of Contagion: Smallpox in Revolutionary Plymouth

Independency in the Shadow of Contagion: Smallpox in Revolutionary Plymouth
with Dr. Patrick Browne

During the Revolution, smallpox struck Plymouth (and communities throughout New England) with a force as dangerous as any military threat, forcing the town to confront difficult questions about disease, quarantine, and inoculation. This Burial Hill tour will trace the epidemic through the stories of Plymouth residents affected by smallpox and the local leaders who worked to contain it, including those who established an inoculating hospitals at Billington Sea and Saquish. Together, their experiences reveal how war and epidemic became intertwined in Revolutionary Plymouth.

Dr. Patrick Browne, Executive Director of the Plymouth Antiquarian Society, will lead this free 1-hour walking tour. Join the group at the very top of the Hill.

The Plymouth Antiquarian Society and Pilgrim Hall Museum partner in a free public tour series of Plymouth’s historic Burial Hill.
Each first Saturday of the month, a thematic tour of the ancient burying ground will reveal facets of Plymouth’s evolving story over generations. See map of Burial Hill area here. Please plan to wear comfortable walking shoes, as terrain may be uneven. In the event of inclement weather, please check our Facebook page  for cancellation/postponement info.