Merrill

In 1893, Chicago hosted the World's Fair which showcased the power of electricity. Fire insurance underwriters were unsure of the risks of this new technology. William Henry Merrill, an electrical engineer, was sent to inspect the installations and secure insurance for the fair. This led to the creation of a safety testing laboratory. The cutting-edge safety science of today that's shaping tomorrow is grounded in a powerful legacy. 1893, a mere 22 years after the city was destroyed by fire, Chicago is reborn and ready to host the World's Fair. The fairgrounds will showcase the largest demonstration of the power of electricity to date. It will change the world, but fire insurance underwriters don't understand the risks of the new technology on such a large scale. Enter William Henry Merrill, a graduate of MIT's new electrical engineering program. The Chicago Association of Underwriters dispatches him to inspect the installations and determine the fire risks. Merrill's work secures insurance for the fair. He also receives financial backing to realize his dream of creating a safety testing laboratory.