Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally Told
History isn’t just about what’s remembered—it’s about who makes sure it’s remembered.
In this episode, I take you to Fall Creek, Wisconsin—a small village with a deep familial connection. It’s also where I first saw what real historical preservation looks like. Their approach to honoring the past contrasts what I’ve found in my research on the Eastland Disaster, where some victims remain without grave markers more than a century later.
How did this happen? What does it tell us about how we preserve history? And what can we learn from a town of about 1,000 people who manage to keep their own history alive?
In This Episode:
📖 Fall Creek’s surprising link to the Eastland Disaster—and why this small town’s dedication to history changed my perspective.
🕊️ The missing grave markers of Eastland victims—whose stories have been lost, and why their memory still matters.
🔍 Fact-checking an unverified claim about unmarked graves and burial customs in 1915 Chicago.
💡 Why independent researchers, genealogists, and communities play a crucial role in preserving history.
Suggestions for Keeping History Alive
💬 Share this episode with history lovers, genealogists, and those passionate about remembering the past.
🔎 Look up an Eastland victim on Find a Grave—see if they have a source-cited memorial, and if not, consider contributing.
📚 Support historical research—whether through independent projects, community genealogy groups, or simply asking more questions.
🧐 Don’t be afraid to cast a critical eye on historical claims—especially those without source citations. If something doesn’t add up, dig deeper. History deserves accuracy, not assumptions
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