Causes: Arts & Culture, Historical Organizations, Museums

Mission: The Eastland Disaster Historical Society is founded on two core beliefs: that every life is of value, and that every life story (when viewed through the lens of the Eastland Disaster) should be preserved and shared.

Results: Most importantly, EDHS has (1) legitimized the importance of the history of the Eastland Disaster, and (2) altered the collective historical consciousness of society regarding the Eastland Disaster. Though concentrated primarily in the Chicago metropolitan area, we have shared – directly and indirectly – the story of the Eastland Disaster with millions. A few examples are listed below. (1999) Chicago Century TV program with ABC’s Ron Magers. Seen by thousands. (2000) Titanic/Eastland exhibit (8 mos. ) at the Museum of Science and Industry. Eastland Disaster portion of the exhibit was declared “the highlight of the entire exhibit” (Chicago Tribune, February 25,2000), and was toured by more than 800,000 visitors. (2001) The Eastland Disaster, an hour-long feature documentary on Chicago Stories with PBS/WTTW-11’s John Callaway. Seen by thousands, and continues to be rebroadcast several times per year. Winner of two regional Tony Awards. (2001) Lost on the Lakes exhibit (8 mos. ) at the Berrien County Historical Society, Michigan. Viewed by nearly 7,500 people. (2002) America’s Great Maritime Disaster exhibit (12 mos. ) at the Michigan Maritime Museum. (2003) Historical Marker rededication (Wacker Drive) with the Illinois State Historical Society. (2004) The Sinking of the Eastland: America’s Forgotten Tragedy book with author Jay Bonansinga. Available at major bookstores from coast-to-coast. (2005) The permanent photo essay at the Reid Murdoch Center with Friedman Properties. (2005) Authored a photo essay book, The Eastland Disaster, with Arcadia Publishing. Available at major bookstores from coast-to-coast. (2006) The Hawthorne Works Museum, including the Eastland Disaster, with Morton College, Cicero. (2007) Historical kiosk/banner (Wacker Drive) with the Chicago Department of Transportation and Chicago Parks & Recreation. (2008) At The River’s Edge: Historical outdoor exhibit and memorial with the City of Chicago. COMING SOON!(2012) Eastland: A New Musical Award-winning musical performance that weaves a tapestry of working class stories and colorful characters, giving voice to the victims and heroes of that fateful day. Produced and performed at the Tony Award-winning Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago. (2012) Eastland: A New Musical soundtrack available on CD. (2013) "Great Lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and Stories" year-long exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (Michigan).

Target demographics: value the lives of those who lived before us

Geographic areas served: Primarily the Chicago metropolitan area, we provide value to constituents acorss the country (our mailing list includes 42 different states) and even throughout the world (9 countries, including documentaries in the Czech Republic and France).

Programs: personal accounts/photos on our website, community out-reach programming (including visits to the classrooms of junior high schools through advanced degree colleges), public exhibitions (permanent and temporary), special events, and leveraging the arts (authoring books; supporting authors, screenplay writers, musicians, and TV programming).