Outbreak: Epidemics in a Connected World, an exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, offered visitors an opportunity to share in the experience of epidemiologists as they try to identify and contain infectious disease outbreaks.
Case studies of HIV/AIDS, Ebola virus, and influenza highlight the social and emotional fallout of outbreaks—for victims, their loved ones, and society overall. Objects from both the National Museum of Natural History and National Museum of American History collections illustrate the scientific and cultural impact of epidemics.
Dan Lucey, public health physician and one of the consultants for the Outbreak exhibition, shared stories from his involvement on the ground with some of the most notorious pandemics of our time—including Ebola, MERS, and pandemic flu—over lunch on campus. Students then joined Lucey at the Smithsonian for an overview and tour of the exhibition.
Lunch and discussion with Lucey took place at Georgetown's Berkley Center (3307 M St NW) at 12:00 p.m. Event participants then met at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum at 1:30 p.m. for a talk and tour of the Outbreak exhibition.