The fire that destroyed Cocoanut Grove on Nov. 28, 1942, killed 492 people, and remains the worst fire in New England history.

As the fire’s 70th anniversary approaches, a local group of librarians and historians hopes to find clues that will shed new insight.

Corinne Anderson (left), Casey Grant, and Sue Marsh are gathering Cocoanut Grove artifacts at the National Fire Protection Association.

An investigation failed to determine the cause. This photo is part of the collection from which researchers hope to find clues.

The club's owner was convicted of involuntary manslaughter, setting the legal precedent for conscious failure to address dangerous conditions.

The coalition wants to launch its website in time for the November anniversary of the blaze.