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Great Lakes Museums & Historic Vessels
Listing courtesy of Marine Publishing Co.
From Know Your Ships
A-Admission fee; T-Tours; G-Gift Shop
Association for Great Lakes Maritime History
Robert Graham
P.O. Box 7365, Bowling Green, OH 43402
(419) 372-9612
rgraham@bgnet.bgsu.edu
The Association for Great Lakes Maritime History is an international
organization of institutions, museums, societies, and individuals seriously
interested in Great Lakes maritime history. In addition to publishing a
newsletter for its members, the Association sponsors an annual meeting; and
encourages research, the exchange of information, and the publication of
materials on Great Lakes' history.
To become a member or for a brochure containing more information about the
Association, write to the above address.
- Bernier Maritime Museum
55 rue des pionniers Est., L'islet-Sur-Mer, PQ
Located in an 1877-built convent, the museum explores the history of navigation on the St. Lawrence River. Several Vessels are displayed, including the icebreaker Ernest Lapointe. 418-247-5001 A- open year'round
- Canal Park Marine
Museum
see Lake Superior Marine Museum
- City of Manitowaning,ON
Heritage Park, Manitowaning, On.
Former Georgian Bay-area passenger/freight carrier Norisle. 705-859-3977- A,T - June 1-Labor Day
- City of Port Huron, MI:
Huron Lightship Museum at
Pine Grove Park, Port Huron Michigan. This was the last Lightship on the Great
Lakes and is open to the public from April through mid-December.
- City Of Toledo, OH
International Park, Toledo OH.
1911-built Willis B. Boyer, 617' retired Freighter. 419-936-3070 - A,T,G- Year 'round (call for winter hours)- Volunteers needed.
-
Door County Maritime Museum
Sturgeon Bay, WI
Exhibits portray the role shipbuilding has played in the Door Peninsula. Displays include artifacts from sunken ships, photos, and charts. Refurbished pilothouse on display. 920-743-5958 - A (donations)- Memorial Day weekend-mid-Oct.
-
Dossin Great Lakes Museum
100 Strand Drive, Belle Isle, Detroit, MI. 48207
Ship Models, photographs, interpretive displays, the smoking room from the 1912 passenger steamer City of Detroit III, and anchor from the Edmund Fitzgerald and the working pilot house from the steamer William Clay Ford are just
a few of this museum's wide range of attractions.
313-852-4051
- A (donations), G- Sat-Sun 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
- Duluth & Area Convention Center
350 Harbor Dr. Duluth, MN.
The 1938 built William A. Irvin, at 610 feet the former flagship of the vast U.S. Steel Fleet, now serves as a marine museum. The
Irvin last sailed in 1978. 218-722-7876 -
A,T,G - Late spring-fall.
- Fathom Five National Marine Park
Tobermory, ON
Canada's first national underwater maritime park encompasses 19 of the area's 26 ship wrecks, two of which can be see from a glass bottom boat. 519-596-2233 - A - April-mid-November.
Follett House Museum
404 Wayne St. Sandusky Oh.419-627-9608
Displaying and preserving item of interest in the Sandusky, Erie County,
and Johnson's Island area. Featuring a large collection of Johnson's
Island Confederate Officers' Prison memorabilia. A,G
closed JAN-MAR. April & May-Tu,Th,Su 1-4
Memorial Day to Labor Day Tu-Sun 1-4, Sep-Dec Tu,Th, Su 1-4
- Grand Marais Maritime Museum
Coast Guard Point, Grand Marais , MI 906-387-3700 - T - July 1 - Labor Day.
Great Lakes Historical Society
480 Main St. Vermillion, OH
Museum, housed in the former Wakefield Mansion, tells the story of the Great Lakes through ship models, paintings, exhibits and artifacts, including engines and other machinery. Pilot house of retired laker Canopus and a replica of the Vermillion lighthouse are also on display. 216-967-3467 - A,G - museum open year 'round ... An affiliated operation is the U.S.S. Cod, a World War II submarine open to the public in Cleveland Harbor. May 1-Labor Day (tour restrictions may apply -
call 216-566-8770 for details). - A,T,G
-
Great Lakes Lore
Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum 367 N. Third Street Rogers City, MI 49779
Hours: 10am to 5pm Tuesday through Sunday or by
special request.
- Great Lakes Marine & U.S.Coast Guard Museum
Walnut Blvd., Ashtabula, OH
Housed in 1898-built former lighthouse keepers' residence, museum includes models, paintings, artifacts, photos, the world's only working scale model of a Hulett ore unloading machine and the pilot house from the lake steamer Thomas Walters. 440-964-6847
- A (donations), - T,G - Memorial Day-Oct. 31
Great Lakes Maritime
Institute
Dossin Great Lakes Museum
100 Strand Drive, Belle Isle, Detroit, MI. 48207
A non-profit corporation, founded in 1952 to promote interest in Great Lakes Maritime history. The Dossin Great Lakes Museum is the marine branch of the Detroit Historical Department and is the repository of the Institute's holdings. Through efforts o
f diligent volunteers, G.L.M.I., in conjunction with the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, has been able to accomplish many noteworthy projects. G.L.M.I. is comprised of people whose
interests lie in preserving our rich Great Lakes heritage.
Members receive 6 issues a year of the informative Telescope magazine, are invited to G.L.M.I. entertainment meetings and also receive a 10% discount on merchandise in the gift shop.
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
Whitefish Point, MI
Located adjacent to the historic Whitefish Point Lighthouse, the museum houses extensive light house and shipwreck artifacts, a shipwreck video theater and an Edmund Fitzgerald display, 906-635-1742 - A,G - May 14 Oct. 15
- H. Lee White Marine Museum
1176 Niagara St., Oswego, NY
Former U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' tug Nash, built 1943, is the only known surviving U.S. Army vessel associated with the D-Day landings.
Harbor Heritage Society
1001 East Ninth Street Pier Cleveland, Ohio, 44114
The society operates the Museum ship William G. Mather, at the E. Ninth St. Pier in Cleveland. Displays and artifacts tell the story of the Great Lakes Shipping industry. 216-574-6262 - A,T,G - May- Oct.
- Head of the Lakes Maritime Society
Barker's Island, Superior, WI
On Display is the steamer Meteor, built at superior in 1897 and the last example of the" whaleback" design common on the lakes in the early 1900s. Also: the dredge Col. D.D. Gaillard, built in 1916 and the only example of a dipper dred
ge preserved for public display. 715-392-5742 or 715-392-1083 - A,T,G - May - mid Oct.
- Inland Seas Maritime Museum
See Great Lakes Historical Society
Historical Collections of the Great Lakes
Robert Graham
Bowling Green State University
Jerome Library, 6th Floor
Bowling Green, OH 43403
(419) 372-9612
(419) 372-9600 (fax)
rgraham@bgnet.bgsu.edu
- Jesse Besser Museum
Alpena, MI.
Museum, which features a planetarium, offers a wealth of information about the history and development of the Alpena area. Among items on display: the anchor from the Great Lakes steamer Pewabic, which sank off Alpena in 1865. 517-356-2202 - F
ree - Open year 'round.
- Keewatin
Douglas, MI.
Coal burning passenger steamer sailed the lakes from 1907 until her retirement in 1965. The Scottish built vessel, know for her refined accomodations and speed, sailed her entire life under the Canadian Pacific Railway flag. Also on display: the tug Reiss. 616-857-2464 or 616-857-2107 - A,T,G - Memorial Day - Labor Day
- Lake County Historical Society
Two Harbors,MN.
Steam powered tug Edna G, built in 1896, served Duluth/Two Harbors area for more than eight decades. Refurbished in 1994
Lake Huron Lore Marine Society
1115 Sixth Street, Port Huron, MI 48060-5346.
The Society supports the work of the Port Huron Museum by assisting with the collections in the Marine Gallery, the restoration and operation of the Huron Lightship Museum, the annual Marine Flea Market and other special events.
Marine Society Member
s receive newsletters and invitations to meetings and special activities throughout the year and free admission to the Huron Lightship Museum.
Lake Huron Maritime Society, Inc.
38 S. Ridge St. Port Sanilac, MI
Lake Huron Shipwreck and Maritime Center located at 38 S. Ridge St., one block south of the traffic signal on M-25 in Port Sanilac, Michigan. At the Center visitors will see
artifacts from sunken ships in the Sanilac Shores Preserve on loan from the State of Michiga, displays featuring The Great Storm of 1913, the Sinking of the Daniel J. Morrell, the Sanilac Shores Preserve, as well as models of actual well known ships. A v
ideo tells the story of the future plans of the Lake Huron Maritime Society, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. There is a gift shop featuring nautical theme shirts, caps, mugs, books, videos, and CDs, as well as original artwork. The Center is o
pen Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 11-5 from
Memorial Day until June 6. From June 7 until the 25 of August the summer hours are in effect. Mondays from 12-4, Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11-4, Fridays from 12-5, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10 - 5. From August 25 to September 30 the Cen
ter is open Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 11-5.
Lake Superior Marine Museum Association
P.O. Box 177, Duluth MN 55801
Group supports the the Canal Park Marine Museum. The museum provides displays, historic artifacts and programs that explain the roles of Duluth and Superior in Great Lakes shipping and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in maintaining the nation's waterways. Operating steam engine, full-sized replicas of cabin found on Great Lakes ships, an numerous hands-on exhibits. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 218-727-2497- Free Open year 'round.
This volunteer group publishes "NOR'EASTER," a bi-montly newsletter featuring high-quality articles about shipping on Lake Superior as well as information about vessel movements and other news about maritime activity. The association also maintains an ext
ensive research library and hosts bi-monthly evening programs featuring talks by shipping officials, historians and other experts on Lake Superior. Membership categories start at $25 a year.
foot of Johnston St., Sault Ste. Marie, MI.
Main exhibit is the former ore carrier Valley Camp, built in 1917 and now serving as a floating marine museum. Cargo holds house artifacts, ships models, photos and other memorabilia, as well as a tribute to the Edmund Fitzgerald that includes the ship's two lifeboats. Historic sites also operates the nearby tower of History, a 21-story observation tower that offers an exellent view of the Soo Locks and Soo Harbor.
888-744-7867- A,T,G - May 15-Oct.15.
Marine Historical Society of Detroit
606 Laurel Ave., Port Clinton, OH. 43452
Founded in 1944, the society provides a focal point for those individuals and organizations interested and concerned with the history and current affairs of the Great Lakes.
Membership is $25.00 (US) and includes: 12 issues/year of The Detroit Marine Historian, annual color pictorial calendar, and meeting notices
Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston
55 Ontario St., Kingston, ON.
Museum ashore, once part of a shipyard, explores the art of shipbuilding, while the museum ship
Alexander Henry, a former Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker, is open for tours and as a bed and breakfast. 613-542-2261 - A,T,G - May S
ept.
- Marine Museum of Upper Canada
The Pier, 245 Queen's Quay West, Toronto, ON. M5J 2K9
New facility on Toronto Harbor. Exhibits witin the museum detail the development of the shipping industry on the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway. The restored, 80 foot steam tug Ned Hanlan, built in 1932, is open to visitors next to the
museum. 416-338-7437 fax: 416-392-1767 -
A,G - museum open year-round (Tug seasonal only)
- Mariner's Musem
Light House Park, South Bay, ON
One of the oldest lighthouses in Ontario. Fishing nets, shipwreck maps, log books, and photos are on display. 613-476-4695 - A
- Maritime Museum at Sleeping Bear
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore near Glen Haven, MI
616-326-5134 - May-October.
- Marsh Collection Society
The Marsh Collection Society, a non-profit organization, is based on the historical collection of John Marsh and his sister Helen, owners an
d operators of the Amherstburg Echo for over 50 years. They founded the Marsh Collection Society in 1983 with the intent that a research facility be opened after their deaths. Helen passed away in March,1986 and John in February, 1993. The research centre
was opened October 1, 1994.
The mandate of the Marsh Collection Society is to collect, preserve and encourage research into the heritage of
Amherstburg and the lower Detroit River district.
- Marquette Maritime Museum
East Ridge & Lake Shore Dr., Marquette, MI
Contained in an 1890's waterworks building, the museum has recreated the offices of the first commercial fishing and passenger freight companies. Displays also includes charts, photos, models, and maritime artifacts.
Ending the season with ghost stories in the Museum and a haunted lighthouse for Halloween. A
re-created pilot house similar to what may have been on the old Cleveland Cliffs boat "Marquette." Guided lighthouse tours with costumed experienced role players. Call for times and availability. Exhibit featuring the collected works of renown maritime artist William Sullivan and his interpretation of the "Edmund Fitzgerald" at rest on the bottom of Lake Superior. This exhibit will close at the end of
September.
906-226-2006 - A - May 31-October. 30.
Michigan Maritime Museum
New Line off I-96 at Dyckman Ave.(exit 20), South Haven MI
Exhibits include those dedicated to the U.S. Lifesaving Service and U.S. Coast Guard,
and displays that tell the stories of boats and their uses on the Great Lakes. 616-637-8078 - A,G - May-Oct.
- Mississagia Lighthouse Museum
Manitoulin Island, ON
1873 Vintage Lighthouse. 705-283-3444 - A - Victoria Day-Labor Day.
- Museum of Science and Industry
57th St. & Lakeshore Drv., Chicago, IL
Among the museum displays is a captured World War II submarine U-505, built in Hamburg in 1941. 312-684-1414. - A,T - Open year round.
- Naval and Serviceman's Park Museum
1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY
On display: The guided missle cruiser U.S.S. Little Rock, the destroyer U.S.S. The Sullivans, and the World War II submarine U.S.S. Croaker. Museum's displays include models, armed service artifacts, and aircraft. 716-847-1733 - A,T - April-Nov.
US Brig Niagara
150 Front St., Erie, PA. 16507
Commodore Perry's Flag Ship, the Niagara. 814-452-2744 (Phone ahead to make sure ship is in port)fax 814-455-6760 - A, T
Old Mariners Church
170 East Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI
Church was built in 1849 on Woodward Ave. orginally, but was moved in 1955 to make way for a civic center. The blessing of the Great Lakes Fleet and a memorial service for those who have died at sea takes place on the second Sunday of March. A memorial
service is held for the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald on the Sunday closest to November 10th. Normal services are held every Sunday at 11 A.M. 313-259-2206 - T(reservations required), A(donations)
- Old Presque Isle Lighthouse and Museum
Presque Isle, MI
Built in 1840, the lighthouse is fully restored. 517-595-2787 (after 7:30 P.M.) - A - Mid May-Mid October
- Owen Sound Marine-Rail Museum
1155 1st Avenue West, Owen Sound, ON
Museum depicts the history of each industry through display and photographs. - A
Pointe Iroquois Light Station
Pointe Iroquois, MI (20 mi. west of Sault Ste. Marie)
Museum and historic lighthouse reveals the stories of Light keepers and their families. 906-365-5311 - Memorial Day-Labor Day
- Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum
280 King St., Port Colborne, ON
Wheelhouse from steam tug Yvonne Dupre Jr., anchor from the propellor ship Raleigh, and a lifeboat from the steamer Hochelaga are among the museum's display. 416-834-7604. - Free May-Dec.
River of History Museum
Old Federal Building, Portage Ave. at Bingham Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Interpertavie display explores 8,000 years of history of the St. Mary's River Valley. 906-632-1999. - A, G
Saginaw River Marine Historical Society
Society for the Preservation of the S.S. City of Milwaukee
Manistee, MI
S.S. City of Milwaukee is a 350 foot triple expansion steamer built in 1931, now open as a museum.
- St. Mary's River Centre
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Former Georgian Bay area freight/passenger ferry Norgoma.
Toronto Marine Historical Society
100 Whitehall Road, Toronto, ON. M4W 2C7
10 issues/year of the T.M.H.S. journal The Scanner and membership in the Toronto Marine Historical Society.
$25.00/year
Steamer Columbia Foundation
P.O. Box 43232, Detroit, MI 48243 - 313-331-9920
The Steamer Columbia Foundation, a non-profit museum organization, has acquired the Columbia and intends to restore her for excursions on the river. Bob-Lo Island may be gone forever, but the fun, excitement, and beauty of a trip on the river aboard a tu
rn-of-the-century steamboat will be available once again.
The SteamShip Historical Society
300 Ray Drive Suite #4, Providence, RI 02906. Phone 401-274-0805; Fax 401-274-0836.
Steamship Historical Society of America; devoted to recording, preserving, and disseminating the history of engine-powered vessels. Dues of $25.00 include
the society's quarterly journal Steamboat Bill and the opportunity to participate in a variety of member
activities, including two national meetings every year.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Museum
Soo Locks Visitor Center, Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Center includes working model of Soo Locks, photos depicting their history, and a 25 minute film. Also, three outdoor observation decks adjacent to the MacArthur Lock provide an up close view of ships locking through. - Free - May-Nov.
U.S.S. Silversides
Muskegon, MI
restored World War II submarine was one of the war's most highly decorated. 616-755-1230. -
A, T - April-Oct.
- Welland Canal Visitor Center
Thorold, ON
Center traces history and development of the Welland Canal.
416-685-1571 - Open during the navigation season.
- Wisconsin Maritime Museum
75 Maritime Dr., Manitowoc, WI
Extensive displays on the history of shipbuilding. The exhibit honors submarine building in Maitowoc during World War II. Also on display: Submarine U.S.S. Cobia, built in 1943. 920-684-0218 - A, G, T - Open year round.
Vessel Museums
Owned by the City of Toledo, OH, this 1911 - built steamer is located on the Maumee River at International Park.
419-936-3070 - A,T,G - Year 'round (call for winter hours) - Volunteers needed
City of Milwaukee
Former Lake Michigan rail and passenger ferry, built in 1931, now open as a museum.
Edna G
Lake County Historical Society in Two Harbors, MN. owns this 1896-vintage steam-powered tug, which served this area for more than eight decades. Refurbished in 1994.
H.M.C.S. Haida
World War II -era, Canadian destroyer is credited with the destruction of 14 enemy ships.
Alexander Henry
Operated by the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston, this former Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker is open for tours and as a bed and breakfast.
613-542-2261 - A,T,G - 55 Ontario St., Kingston, ON. May-Sept.
Huron
This was the last Lightship on the Great Lakes and
is open to the public from April through mid-December.
William A. Irvin
Built in 1938, the 610-foot-long Irvin is the former flagship of the U.S. Steel fleet. She last sailed in 1972.
218-722-7876 -
A,T,G - Duluth
& Area Convention Center, 350 Harbor Dr., Duluth, MN. Late sping-fall
Keewatin
The coal-burning passenger steamer Keewatin, which sailed the lakes for Canadian Pacific Railway from 1907 until her retirement in 1965, is now open to the public at Douglas, on Lake Michigan's south shore. Also on display: tug Reiss
.
616-857-2464 or 616-857-2107 - A,T,G Memorial Day - Labor Day
William G. Mather
Harbor Heritage Society operates the museum ship Mather, a former Cleveland-Cliffs iron ore carrier, at the E. Ninth Street pier in Cleveland. Displays and artifacts
help tell the story of the Great Lakes shipping industry. Adjacent to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
216-574-6262 -
A,T,G May-Oct.
Meteor
Built in 1897 the Meteor, open for tours on Barker's Island in Superior, WI, is the last example of the "whaleback" design common on the lakes in the early 1900s. Also on display is the dipper dredge Col. D.D. Gaillard, built in 1916.<
BR>715-392-5742 or 715-392-1083 - A,T,G - Head of the Lakes Maritime Society, Superior WI. May-mid-Oct.
Milwaukee Clipper
1905-built passenger steamer (ex.
Juniata).
The SS Milwaukee Clipper is undergoing restoration in her home port of
Muskegon, Michigan. Currently located at the former Grand Trunk Western
carferry docks, volunteers are restoring the 360 foot passenger steamer to
her 1940's appearance. For information on upcoming tours, events, and
merchandise items please call the SS Milwaukee Clipper Store at (231)
725-0509.
Niagara
Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's flagship, the U.S.S. Niagara, has been extensively rebuilt and opened to the public. From the Niagara's decks, Perry proclaimed "We have met the enemy and they are ours," during the War of 1812's Battle of Lake Erie.
814-452-2744 (phone ahead to make sure ship is in port). - A,T - Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, Erie, PA.
Norgoma
Although this former Georgian Bay-area freight and passenger ferry is is still undergoing renovation, she is open to the public at Roberta Bondar Park on the Sault Ste. Marie, ON waterfront.
705-256-7447 - A,T,G - St. Mary's River M
arine Center Mid-April-Oct.
Norisle
This former Georgian Bay-are passenger/freight carrier is open as a museum in Heritage Park, Manitowaning, ON.
705-859-3977 -
A,T - June 1-Labor Day
Nash
This Former U.S. Army Corps of Engineers tug, built in 1943, is the only know surviving Army vessel associated with D-Day. At the H. Lee White Marine Museum, 1176 Niagara St., Oswego, NY.
U.S.S. Cobia see Wisconsin Maritime Museum
U.S.S. Cod see Great Lakes Historical Society
U.S.S. Croaker see Naval and Serviceman's Park Museum
U.S.S. Little Rock see Naval and Serviceman's Park Museum
U.S.S. Silversides
Restored World War II submarine, one of war's most highly-decorated, is open to the public at Muskegon, MI.
616-755-1230 -
A,T - April-Oct.
U.S.S. The Sullivans see Naval and Serviceman's Park Museum
Valley Camp
Berthed at the foot of Johnstone Street in Sault Ste. Marie, MI, this 1917-built ore and coal carrier is now home of an extensive Great Lakes marine museum operated by Le Sault de Sainte Marie Historic Sites. Cargo holds house artifacts, ship models, photos and other memorabilia, as well as a tribute to the
Edmund Fitzgerald that include the ship's two lifeboats. Historic Sites also operates the nearby Tower of History, a 21 -story observation tower that offers an excellent view of the Soo Locks and Soo Harbor.
888-744-7867-
A,T,G - May 15-Oct.15
James Whalen
108-foot Steam Steel Tugboat. Built 1905 Toronto. In service at Port
Arthur and Fort William (Now Thunder Bay), Ontario for over 55 years. Moved to the lower lakes in 1960. Returned to Thunder Bay in 1992 for restoration. The vessel was restored and moved to its permanent display site the Kaministiquia River Overlook in
Thunder Bay.
The tug will be open to visitors with interpretative displays summer 1999.
Please email with any new listings, corrections or updates. If you are a
member of one of the institutions and would like an expanded listing, please email with details.
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