History of medicine in Waynesboro subject of Gateway Theatre lecture

Dr. Stephen Howlett will present his research on the history of medicine in Waynesboro at WTA’s Gateway on Thursday, November 21 at 7 pm.  Dr. Howlett will trace the changes that have come to medicine in general and specifically to Waynesboro.   His research has uncovered the temporary hospitals in the Civil War to the Waynesboro Weems Watkins Hospital which was followed by the Waynesboro General Hospital on West Main.  He has also uncovered lost footage of an interview with the pioneer of modern medicine in Waynesboro.

Dr. Howlett is a retired board certified gastroenterologist.  A graduate of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, he moved to Waynesboro with his family after completing his residency in Florida.  Dr. Howlett became interested in the topic of history in Waynesboro after attending one of the monthly history lectures at WTA’s Gateway.  That began the research journey that will result in this own lecture on medicine in Waynesboro.

The monthly history lectures are a joint project of the Waynesboro Heritage Foundation and the Wayne Theatre Alliance.  “This joint project is in keeping with both our organizations’ mission to promote the arts and culture of Waynesboro,” said Dr. Clair Myers, Executive Director of the Wayne Theatre Alliance.  “The monthly history lectures are fascinating glimpses of the past and its influence on the present.”

There is no admission fee to the monthly history lectures, but donations of at least $5 are suggested.  The theatre is located at 329 West Main in downtown Waynesboro.  The doors open at 6:30pm.