
Ashes, Sacrifice, & Remembrance: The History of the Firefighters’ Memorial
November 14 @ 1:00 pm
Join us for a program examining the history of the Firefighter’s Monument, erected to commemorate seven firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty during a pivotal moment in the community’s past. This discussion traces the circumstances of the tragedy, the development of early firefighting organizations, and the civic response that led to the creation of the monument. Through historical context and archival insight, the event highlights how the memorial reflects 19th-century attitudes toward public service, sacrifice, and communal remembrance.
Catherine Weinraub holds a Bachelor of Arts in American History, with a concentration in historic preservation and a thematic focus on the United States through the Reconstruction era. She earned her Master of Arts in Collections Management from the George Washington University Museum Studies Program. Ms. Weinraub’s professional work is grounded in a sustained interest in architectural history and the social dimensions of the American past. Her career has centered on historic house museums, including positions at Arlington and Mount Vernon. In her capacity as Historian of Ivy Hill Cemetery, Ms. Weinraub oversees the development and delivery of guided tours and undertakes a wide range of research and interpretive initiatives in support of the site’s mission.

