About this Event
A Conversation on Body Snatching, Anatomy, and the Dark History of Medicine
Join a historian and researcher for Body Snatching: The Dark Secret Behind Modern Medicine, a fascinating exploration of the disturbing history behind the development of modern anatomical science. As medical schools and physicians faced a growing demand for human cadavers, grave robbing and body snatching became a hidden part of medical education. Together, we'll uncover how the pursuit of scientific knowledge created ethical dilemmas, fueled underground markets, and left a lasting mark on the history of medicine.
What We'll Cover:
• Why bodies became valuable to medicine - Explore how the rise of anatomical education created an unprecedented demand for human cadavers and why legal access to bodies was often limited.
• The dark world of body snatching - Discover how grave robbers, medical students, and anatomy schools became connected through the illicit trade in human remains.
• The legacy of medical discovery - Examine how these controversial practices contributed to advances in anatomy while raising enduring questions about ethics, consent, and human dignity.
Whether you're fascinated by medical history, anatomy, crime, or the darker chapters of scientific discovery, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of how the pursuit of knowledge shaped modern medicine and the human cost behind it.
Don’t miss this chance to connect with your After5Society.
About The Speaker:
James Henry is a certified New York City tour guide who specializes in cemeteries, burial grounds, and the history of death in New York City. His work has a particularly strong connection to the history of body snatching: he leads Body Snatchers of New York walking tours, gives talks on the history of people stealing bodies for medical purposes, and has been researching a graphic novel about the global history of body snatching. A member of the Order of the Good Death, James also works with Green-Wood Cemetery and creates tours and programs exploring burial practices, cemeteries, and the cultural history surrounding death. His experience brings together historical research, firsthand knowledge of New York's burial sites, and a fascination with the often-overlooked stories surrounding the dead.
Good to know before you come:
- Exact bar location will be disclosed in your confirmation email
- Arrive early to grab a drink and get settled
- The speaker portion lasts 1 hour, with optional time to stay and socialize afterward
- This is a participatory event
- Seating is limited to keep the experience intimate
Agenda
🕑: 06:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Doors Open & Drinks Flow
Info: Arrive early to grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy the atmosphere. Early birds get the best seats and a head start on mingling!
🕑: 07:00 PM - 07:45 PM
Guided Experience / Talk
Info: Dive into an engaging, interactive session with our speaker. Participate, observe, or simply soak it all in — it’s your experience to enjoy.
🕑: 07:45 PM - 08:00 PM
Q&A / Reflection
Info: Ask questions, share insights, or hear behind-the-scenes stories from the host in a casual discussion.
🕑: 08:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Social Time & Connection
Info: Stick around to chat with fellow attendees, swap ideas, or just relax with a drink. Great conversations often happen after the main event!
Event venue & nearby stays
Hell's Kitchen (address to be found in email confirmation), (address to be found in email confirmation), New York, United States
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