Polio Hall of Fame

A monument commemorating key figures in the fight against polio

The Polio Hall of Fame is a monument located at the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation in Warm Springs, Georgia. It was established to honor the scientists, researchers, and public health leaders who made significant contributions to the understanding and eradication of poliomyelitis, commonly known as polio.

History

The Polio Hall of Fame was dedicated on January 2, 1958, during the 25th anniversary of the March of Dimes, an organization founded by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to combat polio. The dedication ceremony was attended by many notable figures, including Eleanor Roosevelt, Jonas Salk, and Albert Sabin.

Polio Hall of Fame monument

Design and Features

The monument features bronze busts of 17 individuals who played pivotal roles in the fight against polio. These busts are mounted on a granite wall, with each figure's name and contribution inscribed below. The design of the monument reflects the collaborative effort required to combat the disease and highlights the interdisciplinary nature of medical research and public health initiatives.

Eleanor Roosevelt, Albert Sabin, Jonas Salk, and Basil O'Connor at the dedication

Notable Inductees

The individuals honored in the Polio Hall of Fame include:

• Jonas Salk - Developer of the first successful polio vaccine.
• Albert Sabin - Developer of the oral polio vaccine.
• Basil O'Connor - Co-founder of the March of Dimes.
• Thomas Francis Jr. - Led the field trials of the Salk vaccine.
• John Enders - Pioneered the cultivation of the polio virus in non-nervous tissue.
• Frederick Robbins and Thomas Weller - Collaborated with Enders in the development of tissue culture techniques.
• Karl Landsteiner - Discovered the polio virus.
• David Bodian - Conducted research on the pathogenesis of polio.
• Isabel Morgan - Made significant contributions to the development of a polio vaccine.
• Hilary Koprowski - Developed an early oral polio vaccine.

Busts at the Polio Hall of Fame

Significance

The Polio Hall of Fame serves as a reminder of the impact of scientific research and public health efforts in combating infectious diseases. It stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit and dedication of those who worked tirelessly to eradicate polio, a disease that once caused widespread fear and disability.

Legacy

The eradication of polio in most parts of the world is a testament to the success of the vaccines developed by Salk and Sabin, and the public health campaigns that followed. The Polio Hall of Fame continues to inspire new generations of scientists and public health professionals to pursue innovative solutions to global health challenges.

Legend of the busts at the Polio Hall of Fame

Related Pages

• Poliomyelitis
• Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation
• March of Dimes
• Jonas Salk
• Albert Sabin