Dr. May Cravath Wharton

Upper Cumberland Diversity Advocates Presents:

A One-Woman Play about Local Hero, Dr. May Cravath Wharton

Followed by a presentation about the history of Pleasant Hill

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 12:00 p.m.

Art Circle Public Library

Nurse Debra Graham portrays Dr. May Cravath Wharton as she reimagines an early moment from Dr. Wharton's book Doctor Woman of the Cumberlands as she waits at the Crossville Depot for her first journey to Pleasant Hill. Dr. Wharton's work in Cumberland County spanned over 40 years, and her contributions to the lives and health of the people of Cumberland County is legendary. Debra developed a deep interest in Dr. Wharton from her own 35 years as a nurse and her love of the people of Cumberland County. She will also present some photos from this period.

At the conclusion of Debra's program, Don Dowdey, mayor of Pleasant Hill and president of Pleasant Hill Historical Society, will make a presentation about the history of Pleasant Hill and the Pleasant Hill Academy. Don has done extensive research into the role that Dr. Wharton and Pleasant Hill played in the development of the Cumberland County Medical Center. He developed and created a series of posters of this history for our hospital's recent 75th anniversary. Those will be on display.

This program is sponsored by the Upper Cumberland Diversity Advocates in support o9f its mission to celebrate cultural diversity in the Upper Cumberland region.