Belgian Life on the Door Peninsula & The Great Fire of 1871

This program will share the story of Belgians who first settled on the Door Peninsula in 1853. Participants will learn about the struggles in their homeland, their challenges building communities in the wilderness and the vibrant legacy that continues to this day. Emphasis will be on the Great Fire of 1871 and the transformative effect on the landscape and lives of the Belgian settlers. Many people do not realize that the Belgian settlements were devastated by fire on the same day as the Chicago Fire and the Peshtigo Fire. The program will include a re-enactment of the story of a Great Fire survivor by Barb (Englebert) Chisholm. Capt. David Siegel, Green Bay Metro Fire Department (retired) will explain the nature of the fire, why it was so deadly and how the Great Fire compares to other major fires. Sandy Orsted will explain the history, challenges and successes of the Belgian settlements before and after the fire, up to the present day. Presentation will also include the history and stories of the Belgian roadside chapels found today throughout the Belgian communities.