Honoring the 114th Anniversary of the Triangle Fire

The 114th Anniversary Commemoration of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire this week brought together labor leaders, workers, activists, government officials and descendants of victims to honor the 146 lives lost in the tragic 1911 fire. Gathering at Washington Place and Greene Street, attendees reflected on the lasting impact of the fire, which galvanized the fight for stronger workplace protections and fire safety laws. The ceremony included the traditional reading of the victims’ names, the tolling of a bell, and the laying of flowers at the site. An FDNY fire truck ladder was raised to the sixth floor—the highest point it could reach in 1911—underscoring the deadly consequences of inadequate workplace safety.

Speakers at the event emphasized the importance of continuing the fight for worker protections in the face of modern-day challenges. The program also featured moving performances from the New York City Labor Chorus, singer Lana Crowster, dancers from the University of Delaware, and young activists from El Puente, who retold the story of the fire. A powerful highlight was the unfurling of a collectively embroidered banner honoring each victim, created by Brooklyn-based non-profit textile arts organization TATTER and more than 150 stitchers from around the world. Click here to watch the event, and click here for more photos!