The Philip V. Cannistraro Seminar Series in Italian American Studies: Mary Anne Trasciatti

Talking to the Girls: Intimate and Political Essays on the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

Mary Anne Trasciatti, Hofstra University

On March 25, 1911, a fire broke out in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory on the eighth floor of New York City’s Asch Building, killing 146 workers, mostly young immigrant women and girls, in a mere 15 minutes. The tragedy led to historic legislation around workplace safety and worker rights. Talking to the Girls: Intimate and Political Essays on the Triangle Fire, co-edited by Edvige Giunta and Mary Anne Trasciatti, brings together stories from writers, artists, activists, scholars, and family members of the Triangle workers. Talking to the Girls constitutes a written memorial to the fire’s victims. Mary Anne Trasciatti will be joined by book contributor May Chen for this presentation.