'Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Trial' at Bowie Branch Library

On March 25, 1911, a fire broke out in a New York City sweatshop, killing 145 people. It was the deadliest disaster in New York until Sept. 11, 2001.

On Dec. 3, 2011, the owners of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory will be brought to the Bowie Branch Library to be tried to determine their culpability in the deaths of the workers.

A jury of 12 will be randomly selected by lottery from the audience, and high school debate team members from Montross School will prosecute and defend the accused.

Witnesses will include survivors from the fire, labor leaders, firefighters and police.

This is the third annual trial highlighting significant historical events and books.