Experience a deep dive into one of the most unique ships to ever ply the Great Lakes as the Michigan Maritime Museum presents, “The Lightship HURON.” Historian Andrew Kercher will present the fascinating story of the last operating lightship on the Great Lakes, on Wednesday, March 15 at 6:30 p.m. as part of the Museum’s 2022-2023 Steamship Lecture Series.
A National Historic Landmark, the HURON lightship is one of just a few of these unique ships left in the world. Hear the story of “Old Bee-Oh,” as locals called her, and how a series of ships shared a mission to protect trade and sailors’ lives over decades. Even as technology changed and improved, the HURON stood guard near the mouth of the St. Clair River over one of the busiest shipping channels in the world through everything from hurricanes to a World War.
After her retirement, what goes into preserving a vessel like this for future generations? Hear this story from historian and speaker Andrew Kercher. Kercher has worked at museums around the state, and is currently the Community Engagement Manager in his home town of Port Huron.
“The history of lightships is such a fascinating chapter in Great Lakes history and Michigan is so lucky to still have the HURON preserved in our state,” said Ashley Deming, Director of Education and Administration. “We’re so excited to feature this story as part of our lecture series this winter!” Like the other events in the Museum’s 2022-23 lecture series, this look into the history of steam power on the Great Lakes complements the new exhibit, Full Steam Ahead. The lecture series is made possible in part by the generosity of the Nielsen Wells Foundation.
Tickets are free for museum members and $10 for non-members. For more information about the Museum’s events, please visit https://www.michiganmaritimemuseum.org/events/.
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