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

Meet Harvard’s 2026 Student Commencement Speakers

Two undergraduates and a Ph.D. candidate will address the graduating class on May 28.

Ronny Chieng Tells Harvard to ‘Destroy AI’ as Graduates Cheer

The comedian and The Daily Show host gave the keynote address for Class Day 2026.

Harvard Faculty Approve a Cap on A Grades

Reforms to reduce grade inflation will take effect in the fall of 2027.

Explore More From Current Issue

White House and Harvard University buildings split diagonally with contrasting colors.

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

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

Four stylized magnifying glasses arranged in a gradient background with abstract patterns.

AI Hunts For Stolen Harvard Coins

A museum curator and a computer scientist track down ancient coins taken in a legendary heist.

Portrait of a man with white hair, wearing a black coat, arms crossed, thoughtful expression.

The Framer Who Refused to Sign the Constitution

Harvard’s Elbridge Gerry helped draft the U.S. Constitution, but worried it might create a new monarch.