The Fiction & Reality of Consumption

Consumption, called tuberculosis today, was the leading cause of death in the 19th century. The uniqueness of the disease captured the imaginations of writers, artists and the public. Melissa Prycer, Curator of Education for Dallas Heritage Village, will focus this Pilot Grove lunch time lecture on the literary works of L.M. Montgomery (author of Anne of Green Gables), and will explore the gradual changes in public perception of the disease in the early 20th century.

Melissa Prycer grew up in the Dallas area. She received a bachelor’s degree in history from Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, and a master’s degree in public history from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. She has worked in many museums over the years and is currently the Curator of Education at Dallas Heritage Village. Melissa is especially interested in women's history and African American history during the early 20th century. A variation of Melissa's lecture was published in The Intimate Life of E.L. Montgomery, edited by Irene Gammel.

The 2007 Chautauqua Lecture Series is presented in memory of Molly Waites, longtime supporter and member of Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park. Molly was a founding member of the Village’s “Fan Club,” a group of dedicated women volunteers started in the early 1970s. Molly was also recognized by the Dallas Heritage Village Guild with the coveted “Golden Tennis Shoe Award,” given to those who have shown exceptional dedication and service to Dallas Heritage Village. Molly, wife of Dr. Lucius Waites, will be missed by us all.

Purchase tickets online or RSVP by calling 214-413-3663 or email mleopando@dallasheritagevillage.org.

Information from the venue’s website