Video: Sanatorium Scenes

A new documentary combines archival photographs and footage, interviews with former patients, and expert commentary to remember the tuberculosis epidemic in the United States.

This Web extra supplements "A Scourge Remembered," March-April 2009.

Intrigued by a Rhode Island state hospital's history as a tuberculosis sanatorium, newspaper reporter G. Wayne Miller ’76 set out to learn more about the history of tuberculosis in the United States. The result, Miller's first documentary film, looks back to a time—not so long ago—when little was known about treating TB and a stay at a sanatorium was prescribed for many Americans.

View a clip from On the Lake, created just for Harvard Magazine readers:

Video edited by Mark Felton

Related topics

You might also like

How AI Is Reshaping Supply Chains

Harvard Kennedy School lecturer on using AI to strengthen supply chains

This Astronomer is Sounding a Warning on ‘Space Junk’

As debris accumulates in low Earth orbit, the danger of destructive collisions continues to rise.

Understanding AI Vulnerabilities

As artificial intelligence capabilities evolve, so too will the tactics used to exploit them. 

Most popular

There’s (Still) No Gay Gene

Genes seem to play a role in determining sexual orientation, but it’s small, uncertain, and complicated.

Off the Shelf

In love with Harvard Square, the invention of ICUs, Seamus Heaney

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

The federal government has launched unprecedented actions against the University. Here’s a guide.

Explore More From Current Issue

Graduates in caps and gowns celebrate joyfully, raising their hands in excitement.

Conan O’Brien headlines a star-studded cast

A vibrant group of dancers in colorful outfits poses on a stage with shiny decorations.

The Harvard Arts Medalist wants his smash-hit Cats revival to reach “as many young queer people” as possible.

A chaotic scene in a messy room with people engaging in various activities, some cleaning.

Until the 1950s, professionals cleaned up after students in the dorms.