Crowdsourcing the Past: The Eastland Tragedy and Collaborative Genealogy

Eastland Chronicles
Written By natalie zett

Collage for Flower in the River Podcast - Ep. 59 featuring historical elements related to the Egan-Sindelar-Wood-Marren families and the Eastland disaster. 

Episode Highlights

Introduction:

  • I opened this episode by exploring the democratization of historical documentation through platforms like Reclaim the Records, WikiTree, GEDmatch, and Find a Grave.

Reclaim the Records:

  • Non-profit organization advocating for public access to historical documents.

  •  Using legal means to unlock previously hidden archival records.

  • Over 60 million records reclaimed so far.

WikiTree:

  • Collaborative genealogy platform where users contribute to a unified family tree.

  • Showcases the power of shared knowledge over traditional gatekeeping in family history.

GEDmatch:

  • Originally a hobbyist tool for genealogists to share DNA across different testing companies.

  • Has become instrumental in solving cold cases, demonstrating the impact of citizen scientists.

Find a Grave:

  • Began as a simple endeavor to catalog grave information.

  • Has grown into an indispensable resource for genealogists and family historians.

  •  Allows people to create virtual memorials and connect family links across generations.

  • Purchased by Ancestry in 2013.

Mary Helen Egan's Story:

  • Updated obituary from July 31st, 1915 Chicago Tribune reveals new information—and answers many questions posted in Ep. 58!

  • Connected to the Sindelar, Dolezal, and Wood families, who suffered significant losses in the Eastland disaster. Take a look at the Card of Thanks from the Wood and Marren Families.

  •  Importance of accuracy and thorough research in piecing together historical narratives.

  • Check out Use Case: Updating Mary Helen Egan’s Profile on Find a Grave for more info.

Chicago Daily Tribune, August 1, 1915

 CARD OF THANKS.

We wish to express our sincere thanks to our relatives, friends, and kind neighbors for the beautiful floral pieces and sympathy shown us in our late bereavement of my dear, beloved wife and son and wife's brother, who departed this life In the Eastland disaster, and also wish to thank the employes of the Illinois Telephone company for their kindness and sympathy. GEORGE J. WOOD. and MR. AND MRS. P. MARREN.

Using Find a Grave:

  • Step-by-step guide on updating Mary Helen Egan's profile with the new obituary information.

  • Importance of adding searchable text and connecting family members for better accessibility and SEO.

Conclusion:

  • The dangers of a "single story" in historical narratives, as warned by Chimananda Ngozi Adichie.

  • The Eastland disaster stories should be managed and communicated with the understanding that stereotypes, while not untrue, are incomplete.

  • Encouraging listeners to continue their own journey of discovery

natalie zett

I've been a writer, actor, photographer, and musician and have worked as a freelance journalist for magazines and papers since I was in my late teens.

My favorite writing job was working for an award-winning community newspaper in Saint Paul, the Park Bugle.

I’ve also taught others how to write for community newspapers at The Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis, MN. And, during the last few years, I became a family historian.

https://www.flowerintheriver.com
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Threads of Tragedy: The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire and the Eastland Disaster
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Use Case: Updating Mary Helen Egan’s Profile on Find a Grave