A Burning Issue: Tri-C program focuses on Cuyahoga River fire and environmental change

Cuyahoga River Fire from Nov. 3, 1952. Courtesy of Cleveland Press Collection at Cleveland State University Library

An upcoming program at Cuyahoga Community College will examine how the infamous Cuyahoga River fire of 1969 ignited an environmental revolution across the United States.

The topic is the focus of the latest “Learning for Life” lecture series program, taking place Thursday, Feb. 28, at Corporate College West.

The discussion will be led by David A. Bernatowicz, an associate professor of history at Tri-C. Bernatowicz frequently speaks on Cleveland’s industrial heritage – a past that created the polluted river that burst into flames.

Images of the oil-slicked Cuyahoga River on fire started a national conversation on environmental issues and contributed to the passage of the federal Clean Water Act in 1972.

The free program begins at 6 p.m. in room 112 at Corporate College West, located at 25425 Center Ridge Road in Westlake. No registration is required. For more information, call 216-987-5968.

The “Learning for Life” lecture series covers a range of topics important to the community. Visit www.tri-c.edu/LearningForLife for a schedule of upcoming events.

John Horton

Media Relations Manager at Cuyahoga Community College

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Volume 11, Issue 4, Posted 9:58 AM, 02.19.2019