ESFL is excited to introduce a monthly Labor History Film Series, on the second Friday night of each month. We will begin by premiering the films on our Facebook page and YouTube channel, although we look forward to hosting in person film viewings and discussions when it becomes safe to do so.

Our first film is “1877: The Grand Army of Starvation,” produced in the mid-1980s by the American Social History Project. This project produced a terrific two volume history of the United States, Who Built America?, which placed working people at the center of our history, and a series of creative documentary films. We are pleased to announce that Steve Brier, who was the founding Executive Director of the American Social History Project, will join us for the post-film discussion.

“1877: The Grand Army of Starvation” tells (in half an hour) the story of our first nationwide general strike. At the depths of a prolonged depression, railroad workers responded to yet another wage cut by going on strike, blocking trains, and confronting federal troops who were sent to put down the strike. The film makes creative use of cartoon images, actors, and the reading of court testimonies to bring this important struggle to life.

This event will premiere on ESFL’s Facebook page and YouTube channel!

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