In this 1911 file photo provided by the National Archives, labor union members gather to protest and mourn the loss of life in the March 25, 1911, Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York. One hundred years ago, horrified onlookers watched as workers leapt to their deaths from the raging fire in the garment factory. The fire killed 146 workers, mainly young immigrant women and girls, and became a touchstone for the organized labor movement, spurred fire-safety laws and shed light on the lives of immigrant workers. ((AP Photo/National Archives, File)) |
NEW YORK (AP) — One hundred years ago, horrified onlookers watched as workers leapt to their deaths from a raging fire in a New York City garment factory.
The Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire of March 25, 1911, killed 146 workers, mainly young immigrant women and girls.
Hundreds of theatrical performances, museum exhibits, lectures, poetry readings, rallies and panel discussions are taking place around the U.S. to mark the centennial anniversary.
The fire became a touchstone for the organized labor movement, spurred fire-safety laws and shed light on the lives of immigrant workers.
Descendants of victims and survivors of the Triangle fire will gather Friday for a procession to the site of the fire in Greenwich Village.
