This July 24th marks the 100-year anniversary of one of the worst tragedies in American History. And it happened right here on the Chicago River. But if you ask locals if they remember the S.S. Eastland Disaster and the 844 lives that were lost, you’ll probably get a blank stare. The Eastland Disaster Historical Society and local branding agency 88 Brand Partners aim to change that.
“This is a historic and critical year for us,” says Eastland Disaster Historical Society Executive Director Ted Wachholz, “and we’re grateful to have a partner in 88 Brand Partners who understands the impact this tragedy has had on many generations of native Chicagoans. Working with an agency with their own roots in Chicago, we’re fortunate to have them helping us share the stories of the victims, survivors and heroes of the Eastland Disaster with the residents of Chicago.”
This summer, EDHS and 88 will be taking Chicagoans on a journey back to the fateful day when, aboard the S.S. Eastland, a short boat trip to a company picnic quickly turned into the heartbreaking panic and tragic loss of 844 lives. Residents and historians will rediscover the disaster, the lives that were lost, the heroes who came to the rescue, and the surviving passengers and families who lived to tell the story.
“We’re honored to partner with the Eastland Disaster Historical Society and help them reintroduce this long neglected moment in our city’s great history to the world,” says 88 Brand Partners President Michael McGuire. “This is a tremendous opportunity to ensure that as time passes and generations go by, this somber and culturally significant moment in Chicago history doesn’t get lost forever.”
To reconnect Chicagoans of 2015 with the Chicagoans of 1915, EDHS and 88 need the help of local residents with ties to the S.S. Eastland Disaster. If you, a friend or a family member knows anyone who was personally affected by this tragedy, whether they knew victims, survivors or heroes, please share your story with EDHS on their website, eastlanddisaster.org.
EASTLAND DISASTER HISTORICAL SOCIETY / 88 BRAND PARTNERS DISCOVERY DAY
In February 2015, members of the Eastland Disaster Historical Society, along with family members with ties to the disaster, met at 88 Brand Partners for a collaborative in-take session. Together, they laid out plans for the upcoming 100-year commemoration in July, brainstormed potential ideas, and addressed strategic goals that will help successfully reestablish the Eastland Disaster in Chicago for this year and many years to come.