How George Washington Defeated Smallpox And Won America’s Independence

Fri Jun 12 2026 at 05:30 pm to 08:00 pm UTC-04:00

2401 E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23223-7128, United States | Richmond

St. John's Church Foundation
Publisher/HostSt. John's Church Foundation
How George Washington Defeated Smallpox And Won America\u2019s Independence
Advertisement
The Walter W. Craigie Speaker Series
PRESENTS
An Evening with Dr. Art Kellermann and Dr. Richard “Dick” Wenzel.
SPEAKING ON
How George Washington Defeated Smallpox And Won America’s Independence
TICKETS
$25
Includes a pre-talk reception with a chance to meet the speaker.
Reception begins at 5:30 PM. Beer, wine, and light hors d’oeuvres.
Doors open at 6:45 PM for seating | Talk starts promptly at 7:00 PM
In 1776, as George Washington was leading the Continental Army through some of the earliest battles of the American Revolution, disease posed a greater threat to his forces than British troops. To win American independence, he not only had to defeat the British army; he had to defeat smallpox.
General Washington, who had survived smallpox as a young man, was aware of this history and his forces’ vulnerability to the disease. He also knew that the British had used smallpox as a biological weapon against native tribes during the French and Indian War. After taking these factors into consideration, he made a fateful decision. In 1776, as his Army entered winter quarters, he ordered the mass inoculation of his troops. It was the first time in history that an army was immunized by command order.
Advertisement

Event Venue

2401 E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23223-7128, United States

Tickets

Icon
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Ask AI if this event suits you:

More Events in Richmond

Cowboy Junkies at The National
Thu, 11 Jun at 07:30 pm Cowboy Junkies at The National

The National

Hope Harris Sings A Tribute to Linda Ronstadt
Thu, 11 Jun at 08:00 pm Hope Harris Sings A Tribute to Linda Ronstadt

The Tin Pan

Greg Mendez with Scarlet Rae
Thu, 11 Jun at 11:30 pm Greg Mendez with Scarlet Rae

Richmond Music Hall

Mocha Joint Ball
Fri, 12 Jun at 12:00 am Mocha Joint Ball

Delta Hotels by Marriott Richmond Downtown

Richmond Curious: Pride
Fri, 12 Jun at 08:30 am Richmond Curious: Pride

Gather Arts District in Downtown - Office Space and Coworking

Beloved Women\u2019s Retreat: Preparing for the Bridegroom
Fri, 12 Jun at 12:00 pm Beloved Women’s Retreat: Preparing for the Bridegroom

Roslyn Conference and Retreat Center

Kelsy Karter & The Heroines: The Pleasure Tour
Fri, 12 Jun at 06:00 pm Kelsy Karter & The Heroines: The Pleasure Tour

Canal Club

Mel's Supper Club
Fri, 12 Jun at 06:00 pm Mel's Supper Club

District Prime

Sidepiece
Fri, 12 Jun at 07:00 pm Sidepiece

The National - VA

Kelsy Karter at Canal Club
Fri, 12 Jun at 07:00 pm Kelsy Karter at Canal Club

Canal Club

The 100 Men of Color Black Tie Gala & Awards 2026: Virginia
Fri, 12 Jun at 07:00 pm The 100 Men of Color Black Tie Gala & Awards 2026: Virginia

Hippodrome Theater

Jazz Funk Soul
Fri, 12 Jun at 08:00 pm Jazz Funk Soul

The Tin Pan

Richmond is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Richmond Events