Join us on Monday, June 23 for a Dine & Discover Program entitled Understanding The Realities of the 1871 Fires, presented by Retired Fire Captain David Siegel.
A terrible firestorm disaster struck October 8 – 9, 1871 in the upper Midwest. Best known are the approximately 1200 deaths in and around Peshtigo, Wisconsin and over 10,000 buildings destroyed in Chicago. However, devastation occurred throughout the Bay of Green Bay region and the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. This presentation will examine the realities of the disaster, dispel some misconceptions, and compare to recent firestorm tragedies in the United States.
David Siegel started with the Green Bay Metro Fire Department in 1997, advanced through the ranks to captain in 2021 and retired in 2023. He also served as a paramedic and science officer for the hazardous materials team. Previously, he worked as a biochemist after earning BS (1986) and MS (1989) degrees in that field from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Researching and writing the book Forces of Change, Events That Led To The Development Of The Green Bay Fire Department, 1836-1895 (released 2016) combined a passion for that fire department, a life-long love of history and an inner-drive to know more.
The 1871 fire presentation began as part of the 150th anniversary commemoration held by the Belgian Heritage Center in Namur, Wisconsin.
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We are past the deadline for registration for this event. We hope you join us for another event soon. Thank you.
This is the response I received when I tried to register for the dinner and discussion on Tuesday, June 23. Please advise.
Just a bug on our end. It is now fixed. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!