Emily P. Bissell and the Christmas Seal
Historical Society of Delaware
WILMINGTON, DE, November 26, 2007. The Historical Society of Delaware celebrates "Emily P. Bissell and the 100th anniversary of the Christmas Seal" through January 15, 2008 at the Historical Society of Delaware with a new exhibit and lecture program by Dr. Constance Cooper, Director of Library and Archives. In addition, a small exhibit featuring both Emily Bissell and the Christmas Seal will be on display in the Society's Willingtown Square Gallery at 505 Market Street in Wilmington. The exhibit tells the story of Delaware's Christmas Seal founder, Emily P. Bissell; the history of the Christmas Seal itself; and the fight against tuberculosis in Delaware, the nation and the world.
Photographs, memorabilia and documents from the Society's archives tell this inspiring story. In 1907, Emily Bissell's cousin, Dr. Joseph Wales, asked her to raise $300 to keep Delaware's small struggling tuberculosis sanatorium open. At this time, TB was a deadly disease, and many people did not believe it could be treated or controlled. In an effort to raise the funds, Emily Bissell introduced the Christmas Seal in the United States; it originally sold for a penny each so everyone could afford to help "Stamp out tuberculosis!" The first seal succeeded beyond anyone's expectations, raising $3,000. This profoundly changed the life of Emily P. Bissell and the course of the disease.
Christmas Seal sales now benefit the American Lung Association. Dr. Cooper will present "Emily Bissell and the Christmas Seal" at the Delaware History Museum on Monday, December 3, at 7:00 p.m.; at the Lewes Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 6; and at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at the Biggs Museum in Dover. Programs are free and open to the public. RSVP appreciated to 302-655-7161 or [email protected].