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 The Channing Home for Sick and Destitute Women, circa 1900 |
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The Channing Laboratory was already a world-renowned infectious disease and epidemiologic research laboratory when it became a part of Brigham and Women's Hospital in 1975. The activities of today's researchers have evolved from the objectives established by the founders of the Channing Street Home for Sick and Destitute Women, which served as a treatment center for tuberculosis patients from 1857 until 1958. After its closing, the Trustees of the Channing Home established a laboratory dedicated to the study of infectious and pulmonary diseases. Under the guidance of the Channing Laboratory's first Director, Dr. Edward H. Kass, researchers expanded their focus to include epidemiologic methods and the study of chronic diseases. Following the precedent set by these pioneers in infectious disease and epidemiologic research, today's scientists maintain the Channing Laboratory's reputation as one of Harvard's foremost multidisciplinary research institutions. On October 31, 1996, Amalie Moses Kass, Lecturer on History of Medicine in the Department of Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the widow of the late Dr. Kass, delivered a speech to guests assembled for the official opening of the Channing Laboratory's new facilities on Longwood Avenue. To view the full text of her history of the Channing Laboratory, click here.
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