Join Dr. Chris Stacey for our "Topics in Chicago History" virtual lecture and discussion series on Zoom.

This lecture is open to all members of the Chicago Columbia alumni community. All participants will be unmuted throughout the evening's presentation so we can engage in maximum participation on the topic. All registrants are sent a study guide and a selected set of materials to prepare for the topic. The format is 50 minutes of lecture with Q & A followed by 50 minutes of discussion. 

Topic Preview: The Chicago Fire of 1871 was one of the greatest urban disasters in modern history resulting in vast destruction and homelessness. The story of the fire is an intriguing narrative of how unregulated capitalism, class relations, and the worldview of Chicago’s Protestant commercial elite converged to create and react to the tragedy. Topics covered for this evening include Chicago’s Population on the Eve of the Great Fire, Factors Resulting in the Great Fire, Destruction, Boosters, and Relief, Occupied City and the Official History of the Fire, The Unburned City, and Rebuilding a New Chicago.