Glen Ellyn Historical Society to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire

The Glen Ellyn Historical Society will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire with a lecture by veteran actor and historian Terry Lynch.

Lynch will portray Patrick O'Leary, husband of Catherine O'Leary. According to a widely debunked tale, the 1871 fire started when a cow being milked by Mrs. O'Leary kicked over a lantern and ignited the family's barn on DeKoven Street.

It wasn't until the 1990s that the city council officially exonerated the scapegoated Irish immigrant.

Lynch will discuss the theories surrounding the origin of the massive fire as well as the reconstruction of the city. He'll also explain how the recovery led to a new style of architecture.

His lecture will begin at 2. m. Saturday at the Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N. Main St.

Admission is $8; $6 for historical society members; and $5 for students 18 and under. Refreshments will be served. For details, call (630) 469-1867 or visit gehs.org.