On July 24, 1915, the SS Eastland capsized on the Chicago River, killing more than 800 passengers before it ever left the shore. This shipwreck ranks as one of the worst maritime disasters in American history—and one of Chicago’s deadliest catastrophes.

Rather than retelling the events of that tragic day, this program explores how the Eastland has been remembered through at least nine film and television representations.

Drawing on documentary film, oral histories, contemporary newsreels, and narrative television, this talk examines how filmmakers and television producers have captured, interpreted, and preserved one of Chicago’s greatest tragedies. Along the way, you’ll travel by HD video to a suburban Chicago home where a large family’s life was forever changed by the disaster.

Together, we’ll explore how film and television have shaped public memory of this often-forgotten tragedy—and why those images still matter.

NOTE: Due to the subject matter and the graphic nature of some onscreen depictions, this talk may not be suitable for children.