Most approaches toward medical science today are less than 100 years old. So, how did Pennsylvania’s ethnic Germans explain and handle crop failures, infant mortality, or sick livestock? One popular way to counter the presence and power of perceived evil was to consult the “Brauchbuch” or “powwow” book, a mix of traditional European and Native American herbal remedies and incantations. This course will explore, examine, and explain practices people across Pennsylvania’s “Deitsch Belt” used to deal with such desperation and helplessness. 

Instructor: Bruce Teeple, a graduate of Penn State in history and political science, is a local historian, writer, and speaker. In 2003, the Centre County Historical Society presented him with an Outstanding Presentation of Centre County History award. He worked as a columnist for the Centre Daily Times from 2003 until 2016. Since 2004, Teeple has served as a state judge for the National History Day in Pennsylvania competition and currently serves on their State Advisory Council. Teeple continues to give numerous programs on local history before a variety of church, school, scout, and social groups. He has also reviewed grant proposals for the Institute of Museum and Library Services and for the History Channel’s Save our History program; teaches adult education classes through Penn State; coordinates more than 150 volunteers for Penn State’s annual Native American Powwow; and currently serves as president of the Union County Historical Society.