Baruch S. Blumberg (1925-2001)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Nobel laureate who identified the hepatitis B virus and developed its diagnostic test and vaccine, which he shared to promote its use. Affiliated with Fox Chase Cancer Center, NASA Astrobiology Inst., and pres. of American Philosophical Society. Blumberg lived here.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Baruch Blumberg, who lived here, was a physician-scientist whose curiosity ranged from human blood to the possibility of life beyond Earth. His identification of the hepatitis B virus led to a diagnostic test and a vaccine—work that earned a Nobel Prize and has since prevented untold cases of liver disease worldwide. He chose to share the vaccine widely to speed its use, and later helped lead scientific institutions from Fox Chase Cancer Center to NASA's Astrobiology Institute.
Why it matters
Blumberg's discovery stands among the great public-health achievements of the twentieth century, a Philadelphia-rooted breakthrough that saved lives across the globe.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Hill-Physick Housenearby · 321 South 4th Street
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial0.1 mi away
- Powel House0.2 mi away · 244 South 3rd Street
- Merchants' Exchange Building0.3 mi away · 143 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philosophical Hall0.3 mi away · PA
- New Hall Military Museum0.3 mi away · Philadelphia
Attractions
- Carpenters' Hall0.3 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Second Bank of the United States0.3 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- First Bank of the United States0.3 mi away · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- City Tavern0.3 mi away · 138 South 2nd Street
- Liberty Bell0.3 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- President's House0.4 mi away
Food & drink
- FRIEDA0.2 mi away · 320 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Garden0.3 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily0.3 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Cafe Walnut0.3 mi away · 703 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Franklin Social0.3 mi away · 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Red Owl Tavern0.3 mi away · 433 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Philadelphia Marriott Old City0.3 mi away · 1 Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel0.3 mi away · 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Morris House Hotel0.3 mi away · 225 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thomas Bond House0.3 mi away · 129 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia
- Best Western Plus Independence Park Hotel0.4 mi away · 237 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels Philadelphia0.4 mi away · 32 South Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Baruch S. Blumberg
Themes & tags
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