Marie Thourson is returning for another captivating lecture. Marie will be discussing the Chicago Fire and its particularly large impact on the Swedes living in Chicago at that time. This is a free event, but fika will be available for purchase.

In October 1871, roughly 10,000 Swedish immigrants were living in Chicago. Half of them clustered in the neighborhood around Chicago Avenue, known as “Swede Town,” where merchants, doctors, and other businesses flourished.  Five Swedish churches stood in this area as did the Svea Society, a cultural magnet for more secular Swedes. When the Fire broke out in Mrs. O’Leary’s west side barn on the evening of Sunday, October 8, north side residents thought they were safely distant from the flames. By morning, they were fleeing for their lives.  Based largely on eyewitness reports in Swedish and Swedish-American newspapers, this talk brings to light the experiences of the Swedish community.

This will be an in person event at the Museum.