Haymarket Martyrs’ Memorial Fund

The Illinois Labor History Society (ILHS) exists to keep labor history alive. We not only write, lead tours, publish, and stage public events, we also tell labor’s story physically through public memorial sites.  

In particular, the ILHS is the custodian legally responsible for the Forest Home Cemetery Haymarket Martyrs’ Monument. After the 1887 execution of those accused of conspiracy in the Haymarket on May 4, 1886, the fallen workers were buried in German Waldheim Cemetery. Through the leadership of widow and labor radical, Lucy Parsons, the Pioneer Aid Society, (established to care for the Martyrs’ families), worked tirelessly for years to raise funds for the beautiful monument that stands today. This monument commemorates the movement for  
the eight-hour day, the movement that sparked the workers holiday celebrated throughout  the world, May Day. This monument memorializes the Martyrs and serves as a site of  veneration and inspiration for all those who work to build a better future. It is a rare labor monument, one of the most visited sites in Illinois, with labor activists travelling from  around the world to pay their respects and celebrate labor. As well, this is labor hallowed  ground, as numerous activists, labor leaders and workers have asked that their burial or ashes distribution take place at Forest Home around the 1893 Monument.  

In 2010 we raised funds to stabilize and physically restore the Martyrs’ Monument, with a re-dedication on May 1, 2011, that drew more than a thousand from area labor. This  included replacing bronze castings, stone and foundation work and other needed items  to ensure this meaningful memorial stands for another century.  

Stabilization and upkeep at the cemetery cost us $2,000 annually; if we can raise $5,000,  we’ll also have money to support other marker and monument efforts throughout Illinois.  We have included an additional donation line and will keep a separate fund for monument  maintenance efforts. You will see this continue in future years and we welcome your  added donation, along with membership, to help preserve and maintain this labor history  landmark.  

Your membership is much appreciated and helps sustain the ILHS. An additional donation to the Haymarket Martyrs’ Memorial Maintenance Fund can keep this labor history memorial with global resonance well preserved and an honor to share.