The Historic Treatment of Breast Cancer in Colonial America
Schedule
Thu Oct 30 2025 at 07:00 pm to 08:30 pm
UTC-04:00Location
Thomas Crane Public Library | Quincy, MA
About this Event
Community Meeting Room, 40 Washington Street, Quincy, MA, 02169
The , stewards of the birthplace of Abigail Adams, in partnership with Thomas Crane Public Library will present Abigail Adams Smith and the Historic Treatment of Breast Cancer in Colonial America.
Abigail and John Adams's daughter Abigail (“Nabby”) Adams Smith, born in Braintree (now Quincy) in 1765, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1810, undergoing a radical mastectomy in 1811. Despite the surgery, cancer spread throughout her body, causing her death at age 48 in 1813. Abigail Adams expressed her grief at the loss of her daughter with the words, “The wound which has lacerated my Bosom cannot be healed.”
An expert on the history of medicine will discuss Nabby Smith's case. David Jones, M.D., Ph.D., the A. Bernard Ackerman Professor of the Culture of Medicine at Harvard University, will offer his insights into the treatment of breast cancer in the early 19th century.
Where is it happening?
Thomas Crane Public Library, 40 Washington Street, Quincy, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
