Risking All in Early Maryland: Disease, Death, and Demography

On Wednesday, January 31, at 12:00pm esteemed scholar and local historian Dr. Jean B. Russo will present:  Risking All in Early Maryland: Disease, Death, and Demography. English men and women who migrated to Maryland in the early 17th century gambled their very lives in the hope of creating a better future than they could expect in Britain. Profound challenges confronted both individuals and Maryland society as a whole: a hostile disease environment, a skewed sex ratio, the lack of protective kinship networks, and the absence of a stable social hierarchy. These challenges were most severe for the earliest settlers. Over several generations survivors gradually established the foundation for a predominantly native-born population. Only with this demographic shift did the odds significantly improve that individual adventurers and their descendants could seize the opportunities Maryland offered for realizing their aspirations. Please join Dr. Jean B. Russo as she discusses this fascinating topic with us. All are welcome! Please plan to attend!

Feel free to bring both your lunch and any questions you may have!

Please email or call Emily Oland Squires to RSVP to this free event at [email protected] or 410-260-6443. Please note: a valid photo ID is required to enter the Archives building.