LEARN MORE: myleszhang.org/2023/05/03/triangle-shirtwaist-fire/

This model reconstructs the exact conditions of the workplace and locations of each fallen body in an accurate-to-the-inch virtual reality model.

As based on primary sources:
- Cornell University’s Kheel Center for Labor-Management Documentation & Archives
- The 1,500 page transcript of witness and survivor testimonies
- Original architectural plans of the building used in the trial

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire – in Manhattan’s West Village on Saturday, March 25, 1911 – was one of the the deadliest fires in New York City history. As a result of the fire and lack of workplace protections, 146 garment workers – 123 women and girls and 23 men – died by fire, smoke inhalation, or falling from the 9th floor windows.

This animation reconstructs the exact conditions of the workplace in a virtual reality model, the locations of each of 146 victims, and the progress of the 1911 fire minute by minute. It is in an accurate-to-the-inch model based on trial records, victim testimonies, and primary sources. This project translates the historical record into virtual reality.

The fire motivated the growing International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union that organized sweatshop workers to fight for a living wage and workplace protections.

A century after the fire, the workplace protections and union rights we now enjoy are a product of the sacrifices of thousands of women and children a century ago. These rights of labor unions are again under attack at corporations like Amazon and the University of Michigan.

Music: Solidarity Forever as performed by Twin Cities Labor Chorus:
   • Twin Cities Labor Chorus: Solidarity ...