April 23, 2018
Richard Veit:
Fever! The History and Archaeology of the Philadelphia Lazaretto, a Precursor to Ellis Island
Lecture presented by historical archaeologist Dr. Richard Veit, Professor of Anthropology and Chair of the Department of History and Anthropology at Monmouth University. The presentation examined the history of the Lazaretto and Monmouth University’s archaeological investigations at the site.
The Philadelphia Lazaretto, located in the Delaware River community of Essington in Tinicum Township, Pennsylvania, is the oldest surviving lazaretto, or quarantine station, in North America. The 10-acre lazaretto, built with a hospital, offices
and residences on the banks of the Delaware River, processed ships, cargo and passengers sailing from the port of Philadelphia for nearly a century.