Glen Ellyn Historical Society Presents Stories from the Great Chicago Fire

Join us as Glen Ellyn Historical Society’s Executive Director, Jeffrey Anderson, gives some insight into what was happening at the Chicago Tribune 153 years ago during the Great Chicago Fire. The fire left the city in ruins and its residents in shock. An estimated 300 people lost their lives; 17,000 buildings were burned and 100,000 were left homeless. Yet on Wednesday, October 11, 1871, Chicagoans found hope on the Tribune’s front page which declared, “Chicago shall rise again.” We will hear first hand accounts of what four Tribune editors experienced during the fire. We will also learn how one of the Chicago Tribune editors led the city through the rebuilding of Chicago after the fire.

$5 Adults; $3 GEHS members