Speakers Program: Fall 2003

The community enjoyed a free and entertaining program featuring Mary Melcher

at 6 PM on Friday, November 7th, 2003

Mothers, Midwives and Babies:

Giving Birth in the West

From 1910 to 1940, women in the West relied on a variety of birthing attendants. Due to long distances between towns, and the lack of doctors in rural areas, women continued to rely on midwives into the 40s. Melcher explores the variety of care mothers were given in Arizona, and how this care affected rates of infant mortality among different groups.

Mary Melcher is history curator at the Arizona Historical Society Museum in Tempe. Her publications in Arizona history focus on ranch and farm women, civil rights, public health, and the impact of World War II. Dr. Melcher has conducted more than 100 oral histories with Arizonans.

The Arizona Humanities Council makes this program possible.