Eastland Disaster Author to Speak at IMSA
For Immediate Release, January 2005
For comment, contact Brenda Buschbacher at
(630) 907-5033
MEDIA ADVISORY: Photography and videotape and audiotape recording of the lecture are permitted. If you would like to attend, please contact Brenda Buschbacher.
AURORA - Best-selling author Jay Bonansinga will present “The Sinking of the Eastland: Finding the Story in History” at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy ® (IMSA) on Tuesday, February 1 at 7:00 p.m.
In his lecture, presented by IMSA in partnership with the Eastland Disaster Historical Society, Mr. Bonansinga will discuss one of the deadliest maritime disasters in U.S. history and the largest loss of life in a single incident in the history of Chicago. Yet for years, the Eastland disaster was virtually unknown to the people of Chicago and Illinois.
While still partially tied to its dock on the Chicago River, the Eastland excursion boat rolled over on its side on the morning of July 24, 1915. The ship was filled to capacity with 2,501 passengers who were mostly Western Electric employees and their families, bound for a company picnic in Michigan City, Indiana. Eight hundred and forty-four people aboard the Eastland lost their lives within feet of the dock and safety.
Jay Bonansinga wrote and recently released the book The Sinking of the Eastland: America’s Forgotten Tragedy. This historical thriller draws upon survivor accounts, historical data and archival materials to dramatically tell the true story of survivors, victims, heroes and villains.
Admission to the presentation is free and open to the public. A brief presentation by members of the Eastland Disaster Historical Society will precede the presentation. A book signing and reception will be held following the lecture. For more information or directions to IMSA, call 630-907-5033 or visit the IMSA website at www.imsa.edu.
The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® is an internationally-recognized pioneering educational institution created by the State of Illinois to develop talent and leadership in mathematics, science and technology. IMSA's advanced residential college preparatory program enrolls 650 academically talented Illinois students in grades 10-12. Nearly 18,000 teachers and 34,000 students in Illinois and beyond have benefited from The Center@IMSA program of professional development and student enrichment. Located in Aurora in the high-tech corridor west of Chicago, IMSA® serves the people of Illinois through innovative instructional programs, public and private partnerships, policy counsel, action research, and the leadership and achievements of its graduates.