Talk on Baltimore Fire Slated for Oct. 20

SOURCE: Maryland Humanities Council

The Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 lasted for almost thirty hours, destroying the entire central business district, burning over 140 acres, damaging 2,500 companies, and causing over $100 million in losses--yet no one died during the course of the fire. In this illustrated presentation, Wayne Schaumburg investigates the suspected cause of the fire, traces its path of destruction, and considers the role of fire fighters and city officials in protecting and rebuilding Baltimore.

Schaumburg has taught in the Baltimore City Public School System for over 35 years. For over 15 years he has given illustrated talks on Baltimore history to community, business, historical, college, and senior groups. He has also written a number of publications related to Baltimore and is currently researching the history and architecture of the Upton Estate in Baltimore (1838). Mr. Schaumburg received his M.L.A. from Johns Hopkins University and has an M.S. in history and social science from Morgan State University.

For information about the Maryland Humanities Council Speakers Bureau presentation on the Great Baltimore Fire, contact Bill Stratemeyer at 410-256-1832 or bill.stratemeyer@verison.net. For information about the Maryland Humanities Council and its programs, visit the Council’s website or call 410-771-0650.

The Maryland Humanities Council is a private, educational nonprofit organization that is affiliated with the National Endowment for the Humanities. The purpose of the Council is to create and disseminate programs that broaden an individual’s understanding and appreciation of our common--and diverse--heritage, traditions, and culture; promote constructive and meaningful projects on the value and role of the Humanities to better our personal, civic, and professional lives; and engage citizens and the academic and cultural communities in statewide dialogues designed to enhance citizens' quality of life.

Created in 1965 as an independent federal agency, the National Endowment for the Humanities supports learning in history, literature, philosophy and other areas of the humanities. The We the People initiative is administered by the National Endowment for the Humanities and was established to encourage and strengthen the teaching, study, and understanding of American history and culture. Additional information about the National Endowment for the Humanities and the We the People initiative is available on their website.

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This story was published on October 5, 2005.