The Siposium - A Sanitary Revolution: How Victorians Transformed Dirty Dogs

Ever wish your favorite NPR segment or Ted Talk came with trivia, drinks, and real conversation? Welcome to The Siposium—a live, interactive gathering where we deep dive into surprisingly niche topics with expert guests, thoughtful dialogue, and just enough irreverence to keep it fun. Think NPR-style curiosity, casual community vibes, and real-time interaction. With drinks.

This month, have you ever stopped to consider why you give your dog a bath and brush their teeth or why they detest either of these routines? Pet ownership developed alongside a sweeping transformation known as the Sanitary Revolution that shaped our modern, hygienic lifeways. Together, we will explore how this process transformed dogs' bodies, behavior, and character while also exploring how this same event forever altered everything from human habits to urban landscapes.

Speaker Bio: Neil earned his PhD in environmental history from The Ohio State University in 2024. His dissertation, titled "In a Dog's Age: Fabricating the Family Dog in Modern Britain, 1780-1920," examines how, why, and where the modern pet dog originated. When not writing about dogs he enjoys spending time hiking with—and forever tossing tennis balls to—​his golden retriever.

*Weather Permitting this event will be held outdoors and dogs will be welcome to attend. Should we need to move inside, we will email at least an hour in advance of the event and ask you to leave your furry friends at home. *

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