Discover the worst maritime disaster in United States history and learn about its local ties during a free program at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, at our Main Branch.
Local historian Ginnie Jeschelnig will discuss the explosion and sinking of the Sultana steamboat in April 1865 near Memphis, Tenn. More than 1,000 people died when it sank, including several Union soldiers returning home to Ohio after they’d been released from Confederate prisoner-of-war camps.
Jeschelnig will also share the stories of Arthur Jones and Michael Brunner who both survived the disaster. Arthur was the only Northeast Ohio resident to survive the Sultana’s explosion. Meanwhile, Brunner’s descendants later moved to Lake County.
The program is open to all. Due to limited space, registration is required. Click here to sign up for the Sultana program or call us at 440-255-8811 ext. 1.