Cherry Mine Disaster at the Abraham Lincoln Library

Here's part one of a ten-part YouTube video series on the 1909 Cherry Mine Disaster. This panel discussion was hosted by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum on January 26, 2010.

The tragedy resulted in the loss of 259 lives. And as is often the case, those deaths provided the necessary impetus for new safety regulations in the mines.

Here's the link to another site on the disaster. It includes an impressive collection of photos including this one.

The Cherry Mine Disaster is an important event to remember this Labor Day and for many to come.

Cherry Mine Centennial Commemoration

On November 13, 1909, a fire broke out at the Cherry Mine in northern Illinois. Of the 450 miners working underground, 259 men and boys succumbed to flames and smoke. The labor force was predominantly composed of immigrant workers. As with most industrial accidents, the Cherry Mine disaster was avoidable. The calamity inspired public outrage, resulting in a new workman's compensation law and stronger mine safety regulations.

259 people were killed in the Cherry mine disaster.

On November 14-15, the Village of Cherry will commemorate the disaster and the miners. A full weekend of ceremonies is planned, free and open to the public. Featured speakers and performers include UMWA Vice President Steve Earl, and singer and labor historian, Bucky Halker. Walking tours of the cemetery and mine site will also be conducted.

Here's a download link to a PDF flyer for the event.

Here's a short video on the disaster:

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