Dr. Cheryl White, one of our LSU Shreveport experts, will share a story of heroism during a dark chapter in Shreveport’s history as part of the community lecture series at the Spring Street Historical Museum this month.
LSUS entomologist Dr. Beverly Burden joins Dr. White for this talk. Dr. Burden will share information about the mosquitoes that plagued the Shreveport-Bossier City area in the 19th century.
Dr. White, the Hubert Humphreys Endowed Professor of History at LSU Shreveport, will speak about the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1873 at 6 p.m. Oct. 16 at the museum in downtown Shreveport. Her talk is co-sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Shreveport.
The Yellow Fever virus felled a fourth of Shreveport’s residents in 1873, and it’s the third-worst epidemic of that mosquito-borne illness in United States history. As Shreveport residents fled the city, a handful of caring men traveled to Shreveport, setting aside their safety to minister to the sick and dying. Dr. White will explain how those men – five Catholic priests -- ended up in Shreveport and who’s working to honor them more than a century after their deaths.
Tickets are $10 per person and must be purchased in advance. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot now!
Dr. Cheryl White, a noted researcher and author, enjoys sharing Shreveport's history. She's passionate about local and regional history; historical folklore; and the history of Christianity, among other topics.