August’s Think & Drink: The Great Molasses Flood & Boston’s Waterfront
August 6 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
On January 15th, 1919, a massive industrial storage tank containing 2.3 million gallons of molasses suddenly ruptured in Boston’s North End. Moving at 35 miles per hour, a 25-foot wave of sticky, sweet syrup ripped through the streets, destroying buildings, crushing infrastructure, and claiming the lives of 21 people in one of the nation’s unlikeliest disasters.
Join Boston University historian and recent PhD graduate Genna Kane, as she explores the environmental and social legacy of this tragic event. Genna’s program traces how this structural catastrophe forced a major transformation in safety regulations, building codes, and the physical shape of Boston’s working-class waterfront. She tells a story of remarkable local resilience that continues to shape our urban spaces today.
Genna Kane, PhD, is a recent graduate of the American & New England Studies Program at Boston University. An expert in urban history, historic preservation, and environmental design, her work focuses on the evolution of Boston’s environment, from its industrial past to its climate-resilient future.
Admission is free and open to the public, with refreshments available for purchase. Each event features a specialty cocktail.
Doors and cash bar open at 6:00 PM. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase at the limited bar. The presentation and livestream will begin at 6:30 PM. To access the livestream of this event, please register here: https://forms.gle/
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum is located at 75 Maritime Drive, Manitowoc, WI 54220. This program is funded in part by a grant from the Green Bay Packers Foundation. For more information about this talk and upcoming events at the Museum, please visit our website: wisconsinmaritime.org
Please note: although these events incorporate a thematic drink, there is no requirement or emphasis on alcohol consumption. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol and/or drug abuse, please reach out to the national substance abuse helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.