On November 29, 1895, tragedy struck outside the Village of Brewster in the Town of Southeast, Putnam County, New York. The Tilly Foster Mine Disaster claimed the lives of a group of hardworking immigrant miners, at least seven of them were Italian, who came to this country in search of opportunity but instead met an untimely death under difficult and dangerous working conditions. At the time, the Tilly Foster Mine was recognized as the deepest open-pit mine in the world, reaching nearly 600 feet deep. The Italian miners who toiled there endured harsh conditions and, in death, were denied the dignity they deserved. Instead of being remembered by name, they were identified only by numbers assigned by their employers. The disaster made worldwide headlines, yet the men themselves were never given a proper burial or memorial. Historical records suggest that at least seven of these Italian miners were laid to rest at St. Lawrence O’Toole Cemetery in Brewster. The Putnam County Italian American Social Club is committed to ensuring that, by the 130th anniversary of the disaster, these men finally receive the honor and recognition they deserve. Our goal is to raise funds for a permanent memorial at St. Lawrence O’Toole Cemetery—a lasting tribute to their sacrifice and a way to restore their humanity to history. We invite our community and friends to join us in honoring these forgotten laborers, whose hard work helped shape the foundation of Putnam County and the United States of America.