Nurse Debra Graham portrays Dr. May Cravath Wharton as she reimagines an early moment from Wharton’s book “Doctor Woman of the Cumberlands” during a special presentation at noon Wednesday, March 11, at Art Circle Public Library.
The Upper Cumberland Diversity Advocates program will cover Wharton as she waits at the Crossville Depot for her first journey to Pleasant Hill.
Wharton’s work in Cumberland County spanned more than 40 years, and her contributions to the lives and health of the people of Cumberland County is legendary, including the founding of Cumberland Medical Center 76 years ago.
Graham developed a deep interest in Wharton from her own 35 years as a nurse and her love of the people of Cumberland County. She will also present some photos from this period.
At the conclusion of Graham’s program, Pleasant Hill Mayor Don Dowdey will make a presentation about the history of Pleasant Hill and the Pleasant Hill Academy.
Dowdey, who also serves as president of Pleasant Hill Historical Society, has done extensive research into the role that Wharton and Pleasant Hill played in the development of Cumberland Medical Center. He developed and created a series of posters of this history for the hospital’s 75th anniversary last year. Those will be on display.
This program is in support of Upper Cumberland Diversity Advocates’ mission to celebrate cultural diversity in the Upper Cumberland region.