Marquette University Raynor Library to host ‘This Lead is Killing Us’ exhibit, starting March 10
March 7, 2025
MILWAUKEE — Marquette University will host “This Lead is Killing Us: A History of Citizens Fighting Lead Poisoning in their Communities,” which explores how citizens, scientists and medical professionals have confronted industry to protect their health against the dangers of lead poisoning, beginning March 10 and running through April 19 at Raynor Library, 1355 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Lead exposure can cause neurological problems, even death — especially in children. Despite this, the metal has been pervasive in many aspects of life in Milwaukee and the rest of the United States for more than a century. Many industries added lead to their manufacturing processes and products, endangering their workers and putting communities at risk through polluted air, contaminated water and paint dust.
“This Lead is Killing Us” is produced by the National Library of Medicine and features photographs, advertisements, newspaper articles, official reports and other materials that reveal how and when lead has hurt Americans’ health and shines a light on milestone civic actions that have protected communities against this environmental danger.
The National Library of Medicine offers a variety of online companion materials:
- Exhibition highlights, including historical materials shown in the exhibition
- Educational resources for K-12 educators, including lesson plans
- Digital gallery with related historical materials, including scientific reports and public service announcements, on the dangers of lead
This exhibit is free and open to the public during the library’s regular visitor hours. Media interested in reporting on the exhibit or speaking with organizers should contact Kevin Conway at kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.
The National Library of Medicine on the campus of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, has been a center of information innovation since its founding in 1836. The world’s largest biomedical library maintains and makes available a vast print collection and produces electronic information resources on a wide range of topics that are searched billions of times each year by millions of people around the globe. It also supports and conducts research, development, and training in biomedical informatics and health information technology. In addition, the library coordinates an 8,000+ member Network of the National Library of Medicine that promotes and provides access to health information in communities across the United States.