There is something uniquely powerful about the bond between siblings. It is often the longest relationship of a lifetime. Built on shared childhoods, quiet understandings, and a sense of belonging that needs no explanation. Each April, National Siblings Day invites us to celebrate those connections. For the Eastland Disaster Historical Society, it is also a […]
There is something timeless about Opening Day. Fresh grass. Clean uniforms. The crack of a bat echoing through a hopeful crowd. It is a ritual that signals spring, renewal, and community. But in the summer of 1915, Chicago baseball paused. When the SS Eastland capsized in the Chicago River on July 24, 1915, the shock […]
February’s Singles Appreciation Day offers a moment to recognize people whose lives are often overlooked in historical narratives. For the Eastland Disaster Historical Society, it is an opportunity to shine a light on a group deeply affected by the tragedy of July 24, 1915: the single individuals who boarded the SS Eastland and whose stories […]
October is Family History Month — a time to celebrate the stories that connect us, the memories that ground us, and the generations whose courage, love, and perseverance shape who we are today. For the Eastland Disaster Historical Society, it is also a moment to reflect on the thousands of families whose lives were forever […]
Each October, Polish American Heritage Month offers an opportunity to celebrate the strength, faith, and resilience of Polish immigrants who helped shape Chicago and the nation. For the Eastland Disaster Historical Society, it is also a time to remember and honor the many Polish American families who were forever changed by one of Chicago’s darkest […]
Chicago, Illinois -- This Friday, July 24, 2015, marks the 100 year anniversary of the Eastland Disaster. We honor the lives of: Zastera, Antonie (age 20); Zastera, Julie (18); Zastera, Marie (23); Zdrojewska, Frances (19); Zeiss, Henry (18); Zezerski, Mary (23); Zielske, Alma (21); Ziervogel, Emil (30); Zimma, Josefa (17); Zintak (Vantak), Apolonia (Pauline; Mrs. Henry) […]
Chicago, Illinois -- Next week, July 24, 2015, marks the 100 year anniversary of the Eastland Disaster. We honor the following individuals this week who were amongst "The 844" victims: Wilkens, John Henry (age 42); Wilkinson, John Edward (24); Will, Clara (18); Winski, Leonard (22); Wittforth, Fred, Jr. (21); Wodtke, Eva (16); Wolf, John; Wolf, […]
Chicago, Illinois -- The following individuals are amongst "The 844" who perished in the Eastland Disaster and are honored this week: Uebel, John (age 38); Uldrych, Jan (John) (19); Urban (Nat), Anna (19); Urbanowicz (Urban), Zigmund (18); Uren, Philip (19); Valchar, Joseph (44); Valentine, Estella (20); Varela, Sylvia Eva (14); Vavra, Frank (20); Velan, Ella […]
Chicago, Illinois -- The Eastland Disaster Historical Society (EDHS) announces the release of “The 844,” a commemorative beer brewed by Ale Syndicate Brewers for the 100th anniversary of the Eastland Disaster that will be distributed by Lakeshore Beverage. Liz Garibay, Principal at History On Tap and EDHS board member, conceived the idea by combining her […]
Chicago, Illinois -- This month marks the 100 year anniversary of the Eastland Disaster. We honor the following individuals who were amongst "The 844" victims who lost their lives that fateful day: Sullivan (Scully), Mary Elizabeth (age 23); Sulzman, Catherine (Mrs. Arthur); Swanson, Arthur J. (24); Swedin, John (47); Switala, Benedicta (24); Sykes, Harry D. (10); Sykes, […]
