Upcoming Heritage Avon Lake talk features old death certificates

Dropsy. Myocardial infarction. Consumption. Nephritis. If you’ve ever examined an older death certificate, you have most likely encountered these and other medical terms recorded as causes of death. To help decipher such terminology, and give a lighthearted overview of diseases and death from the 1850s to the mid-20th century, Dr. Mark Jamba, DVM, will present a talk entitled, “What Killed Grandma?: Dissecting Old Death Certificates”, on Monday, March 12, 2018, at 1 p.m. in the Waugaman Gallery of Avon Lake Public Library as part of HAL Presents, Heritage Avon Lake’s monthly educational series.

“I am not a veterinarian in the traditional sense of working with dogs and cats,” Dr. Jamba said. “I have worked as a comparative medicine specialist and have always been interested in the scientific side of veterinary medicine.”

Dr. Jamba explained that his talk originated after his wife, a professional genealogist, encouraged him to publicly share his medical knowledge, which has benefited her in her research.

“I enjoy helping educate people about a topic that affects us all,” Dr. Jamba said.

Heritage Avon Lake will continue its HAL Presents series with the following talks:

• Monday, April 9 – Lysa Stanton, Westlake Historical Society president, will discuss Victorian Mourning Customs
• Monday, May 14 – Mary Milne, professional genealogist, will discuss Epitaphs and Icons: Interpreting Gravestones

All events, which are free, will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Waugaman Gallery at Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd.

Heritage Avon Lake is a local history organization that collects, preserves, and promotes oral, written, and physical history. For more information, visit www.heritageavonlake.org or call 440.549.4425.