May Day 2025 marked our eighth year participating at the Haymarket Martyrs’ Monument in Forest Home Cemetery. Each year, we are honored to be present, sharing stories, listening, and engaging with those who gather to recognize this historic day. The monument continues to serve as a powerful gathering place for members of the IWW, labor unions, international visitors, teachers with students, and parents introducing their children to the importance of labor history.
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Our outdoor exhibit along Radical Row offered stories of those buried nearby, including both well-known figures and individuals whose contributions are often overlooked. We often say, “We are here because people are here,” and that spirit was very much alive again this year. A special addition in 2025 was the participation of Grace from Forest Home Cemetery, who brought original artifacts and documents related to the burials at Radical Row, giving visitors a rare opportunity to engage directly with the historical record.
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This May Day was especially meaningful as we released two new books. The Day Will Come, now in its third edition, continues to honor the legacy of Haymarket. More Dead Than Alive: Forest Park’s Quietest Neighbors introduces a new collection of biographies that bring to life the stories of those resting in Forest Home Cemetery. Sharing these publications helped deepen the experience for visitors and added new voices to the ongoing conversation.
If you missed May Day, we invite you to join us for a guided tour on the first Saturday of every month at 11:00 a.m. to explore the history of the Haymarket Martyrs and Radical Row.

This year, Bleue Benton was honored with the Mark Rogovin: Working Class Heroes Award for her outstanding contributions to labor history research. Bleue’s journey began when Mark Rogovin approached her to help investigate graves near the Haymarket Martyrs' Monument that didn’t have an obvious connection to the labor movement. Her librarian skills proved invaluable as she uncovered hidden links, sparking her passion for the subject and setting her on a path of continued research.


Bleue's involvement grew as she contributed to the second edition of The Day Will Come, assisting with research and later helping Mark with the time capsule research. Her dedication didn’t stop there. She played a pivotal role in expanding the third edition of The Day Will Come, helping to uncover new connections to Radical Row and broadening the overall scope of the booklet’s information.
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Her enthusiasm for labor history and her tireless efforts have left a lasting impact, ensuring that future generations will have access to a more comprehensive and connected history of those who fought for workers’ rights.