About this Exhibit

Over 100 years have passed since the devastating fires detailed in this exhibit burned through northeastern Minnesota, but natural disasters are still in the news. Though some circumstances have changed, our lives and livelihoods remain at risk due to conditions that are only partially under our control.

We developed this exhibit to explore the causes and effects of the fires of 1918 on the Cloquet-Moose Lake region as well as the rest of the state. By combining survivor stories with photographs taken shortly afterwards, this exhibit offers a first-hand glimpse into the experiences of those who survived the fires. We hope their stories have inspired you, and given you reasons to ensure something like this does not happen again.

Stephanie Hess, Exhibit Curator

Molly Huber, Editor


Related Resources

The stories in this exhibit are a small sample of the life-altering experiences of the 1918 fires. If you are interested in learning more about the fires, such as the personal testimony and the legal battles afterwards, check out these resources:


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