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In the early 20th century, the “better baby contest” arose in the US as a means to standardize babies to attempt to combat a nationwide infant mortality crisis. In this talk by Jessica Brabble, doctoral candidate in history at William & Mary, learn about the origins at agricultural fairs of the child pageantry and baby contests still common in popular culture today. Hear how “better baby contests,” where mothers brought their children to be prodded, poked, and examined by health officials, followed long-standing patterns in livestock and horticultural competitions. 

The Emerging Scholars Series is offered in partnership between the Graduate Center at William & Mary and the Williamsburg Regional Library. The series features W&M graduate students in talks hosted by the WRL intended to bring cutting-edge research to the local community. View the complete 26-27 Series schedule on the William & Mary website.