1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic at Georgetown University

This guide highlights primary and secondary sources available in the Georgetown University Archives for research on the impact of the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic on Georgetown University. Where these resources are available online, this is indicated. Use the links to the left to navigate through the content of this guide. 

During the fall of 1918, Georgetown’s Law and Medical Schools, both off campus, were closed for a month by the D.C. Health Commissioner due to the flu pandemic. The Schools' Christmas vacations were shortened and spring semesters lengthened to compensate for this. The College of Arts and Science was able to continue classes for students living on campus because it was providing military instruction for a War Department program. However, access to campus was limited, there was a guard placed at the main gates, and all visitors had to show a health certificate.  

The University Archives are part of the Booth Family Center for Special Collections and are found on the 5th floor of Lauinger Library. The Booth Family Center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Reference inquiries may be made in person, by telephone (202-687-7631), via our email form or via the chat feature on Booth’s homepage. University Archives staff are very happy to discuss research projects and to direct researchers to resources both within and outside the Archives.