Historian Jim Gibbons offers a presentation on the 1958 tragedy in which 92 children and three nuns perished in the fire at Our Lady of the Angels school in Chicago. Inspired by reading the book, "To Sleep with the Angels: The Story of A Fire,” Jim learned that the Queen of Heaven cemetery in Hillside, Illinois had 25 graves where children of the fire were interned. His parents were interned there as well and he went to the memorial to pay his respects. At that point it was the 50th Anniversary of the fire. He began researching the fire in depth and got into contact with some of the survivors.
uring his presentation, Gibbons will also discuss the life and death of Margaret (“Peggy”) Anne Sansonetti who was killed by smoke inhalation in the fire at age 10. Susan Parker, former staff member of the Marengo-Union Library District, said Gibbons’ presentations are riveting.