The Western Illinois Museum, in collaboration with the One Book One Community Festival, will screen the documentary film, Triangle Fire, followed by a pizza supper and conversation on Sunday, April 12, from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Museum. There is a suggested $5 donation at the door.
The screening is the first of two programs offered to explore the 2026 One Book One Community theme, Fire, Light and Warmth, Danger and Destruction. This year’s selected readings explore how fire, while destructive, can also serve as a catalyst for reform, innovation, and community resilience.

The devastating 1911 Triangle Fire that took place in New York City galvanized the city and beyond to enact change to fire prevention and safety, instituting practices that are still in place today. The fire occurred during a time of active labor protests and conflict that pointed to the needed changes for the safety and well-being of factory workers. The documentary illuminates these issues as a relevant cause to the tragedy and shows how it galvanized the needed changes for the better.

The film runs approximately 60 minutes and includes graphic images. Viewers are encouraged to review the trailer in advance to understand the film’s content better and determine its suitability for their needs.

Through the evaluation of tragic fires, communities can consider what can be learned from our own history. The second program in the series will be a community conversation examining historic fires in McDonough County with Fire Chief Dan Meyers on Thursday, April 23, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at the Western Illinois Museum. Participants will explore how fire response practices have evolved and how Chief Meyers and his crew continue to adapt their strategies to strengthen fire safety across the county. A pizza supper will be served following the conversation.
This program is partially supported by grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

The Western Illinois Museum is located at 201 S. Lafayette Street, just one block south of Macomb’s Courthouse Square. The Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and preserving the history, culture, and traditions of McDonough County, serving as a community hub for exhibits, lectures, music, and public programs.

For a full schedule of events, visit wimuseum.org or follow @wimuseum on social media. For more information, call 309-837-2750, text 309-837-2613, or email info@wimuseum.org.

About the One Book One Community Festival

One Book One Community Festival aims to create a sense of community through shared book-based experiences. We are committed to fostering a love for reading, promoting literacy, and celebrating the power of storytelling. Our festival provides a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, encouraging dialogue and understanding.