March 26, 2011

Born in Prairie Grove (Washington County) in 1901, Margaret Pittman is known worldwide for her pioneering research in microbiology and immunology of infectious diseases. She is especially recognized for her work in developing a vaccine for whooping cough. Her work, with later improvements, is still the scientific basis for protecting the world’s children against this potentially deadly disease. Pittman died in 1995 and is buried in Prairie Grove Cemetery.