In the first installment of this new podcast series, Chicago Catholic editor Joyce Duriga interviews local historian Ellen Skerrett about new research she has uncovered about Jesuit Father Arnold Damen, pastor of Holy Family Church on Roosevelt Road and Ignatius College, and the vital aid he gave to Catholic immigrants who lost everything in the Chicago Fire.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHqorUq6GHY

Skerrett also talks about anti-Catholicism of the day and how it impacted the narrative of the Great Chicago Fire, including what was believed about the fire's origins and Mrs. O'Leary. 

Skerrett is an expert on local Catholic history and is co-author or author of several books. She also curated the historic exhibit to St. Frances Xavier Cabrini at the national shrine in Lincoln Park.