Think & Drink Series: The Peshtigo Fire
Date and Time
Thursday Mar 5, 2026
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM CST
Description
We invite you to join us for our March Think & Drink program, where ecologist and research scientist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Jed Meunier, will take us through the harrowing night of October 8th, 1871. The Peshtigo Fire became the deadliest wildfire in recorded history.
Jed Meunier, using tree-ring and fire-scar evidence, challenges the belief that logging alone caused the disaster. In this presentation, he shows that extreme drought, regional fires, and winds created the conditions for a catastrophe. This talk explores what the event can teach us about wildfire risk today and into the future.
This installment will take place on Thursday, March 5th at 6:30pm, at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.
Admission is free and open to the public, with refreshments available for purchase. Each event features a specialty cocktail.
Doors and bar open at 6:00 PM. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase at the limited bar. The talk and livestream will begin at 6:30 PM. To access the livestream of this event, please register here: https://forms.gle/FK8U46gDM6Rwsdb47
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum is located at 75 Maritime Drive, Manitowoc, WI. 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.