Events Around the State Highlight 40th Anniversary of The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald

For the 40th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald (Nov. 10th, 1975), museums and communities around the state are putting together events and exhibitions to remember and honor those lost and discuss the culture surrounding shipping on the Great Lakes. 

The Lansing State Journal has compiled a comprehensive list of these events below:

“Iron Hulls and Turbulent Waters: Ore Boats, Workers, and Great Lakes Shipping” is on display through Jan. 24 at the MSU Museum, 409 W. Circle Drive. Events include a reception with James Brozek from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday; and a talk by Brozek at 12:15 Friday talk in the Museum auditorium. A panel discussion is scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 10 at the MSU Library featuring State Archaeologist Dean Anderson and MSU professors Peter Kakela and Michael Velbel. They’ll discuss the nature and shipping of iron ore and Great Lakes shipwrecks.  In addition, Robert Campbell, author of “Classic Ships of the Great Lakes,” will sign books and speak at 7 p.m. Nov. 17 at Schuler Books in Meridian Mall. Find out more about the exhibit here.

-- The annual Lost Mariners Remembrance takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, on Belle Isle in Detroit. It feature marine artist Robert McGreevy, who will tell the story of lifesaving crews that patrolled the Great Lakes. There also is a lantern vigil at the Fitzgerald anchor and a performance by singer Lee Murdock. Admission is $10; advance registration is strongly recommended. Call (313) 833-1801 for information.

-- “Gales of November: The 40th Anniversary of the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” takes place at 7 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven. Speaker Jim Spurr will discuss the perils of Lake Superior travel in November, from 1816 through the Fitzgerald sinking in 1975. Admission is $8. Learn more at www.michiganmaritimemuseum.org.

-- The 40th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony takes place at 7 p.m. Nov. 10 in the main gallery at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Gallery in Whitefish Point. The museum displays the bell of the wrecked ship as well as its life boats and other artifacts. The bell will toll 29 times, once for each member of the crew, and a 30th time for all lost on the Great Lakes. The Museum also will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 10. Learn more about the museum and the event at www.shipwreckmuseum.com.

-- The documentary movie “A Good Ship and Crew Well-Seasoned” will premiere at 6 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Seagate Center in Toledo as part of the National Great Lakes’ Fitzgerald memorial activities.  Learn more at www.inlandseas.org.