Join Us for the Dedication of the Permanent Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Memorial

Wednesday, October 11, 11:30AM: The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire was one of the worst workplace tragedies in American history. But it was also a turning point in winning safer working conditions and basic human rights for working people throughout America.

The Triangle Waist Company employed more than 500 individuals who worked under abusive conditions, nine to sixteen hours a day, six days a week, making blouses known as “shirtwaists.”

When a fire broke out on March 25, 1911, some died when a fire escape collapsed. Others were trapped behind a critical exit door—a door their bosses locked to prevent them from taking even bits of scrap fabric. Many were forced to jump, dying in front of their fellow New Yorkers, who could only watch in horror. In the end, 146 people died in the space of fifteen minutes, almost all young women and girls from immigrant families.

They did not die in vain. The Triangle Fire inspired improvements that have saved untold numbers of lives and helped transform a nation. For more than 10 years, the Remember the Triangle Fire Coalition has worked to create a permanent memorial for the victims of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire on the site of the tragedy at the corner of Washington Place and Greene Street in Greenwich Village.

On Wednesday, join the Remember the Triangle Fire Coalition, Workers United, SEIU, the NYC CLC, Acting US Secretary of Labor Julie Su, NYS Governor Kathy Hochul, NYS Dept of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon, workers, activists, students and others for the dedication of a memorial almost 113 years in the making.

Together, we'll open a new chapter in Triangle's history. Please RSVP today.