Events

Join the Michigan Maritime Museum in the Jerry Mason Learning Center to celebrate moms, aunties, grandmas, or anyone you’d like to thank this Mother’s Day. Decorate a flowerpot, create tissue paper flowers, and take home a pack of native Michigan wildflower seeds. Free with membership or museum entry.   Presented in honor of Mrs. Betty…

Curious about the museum’s plans, what’s ahead, and what we’ve been working on? Members are invited to join us at the Annual Meeting on May 22nd, 2026 from 3:00pm - 4:30pm in the R.B. Annis, where our board of directors, staff, and members come together to launch the summer season. Childcare will be available in…

A Collaborative Lecture Series by Kalamazoo Nature Center & Michigan Maritime Museum Discover the rich tapestry of Michigan's natural landscapes and maritime heritage in this engaging lecture series. From Forest to Shore brings together maritime experts and naturalists to explore the deep connections between the state's inland ecosystems and its Great Lakes waterways. Through captivating…

Maritime Bingo for Books is a lively, family-friendly event designed for curious minds ages 8 and up (children must attend with an adult), this 90-minute program puts a big, interactive twist on classic Bingo—and everything you need to play is provided.  Each number called connects to a fascinating maritime fact. You might hear B1 and…

Build a Recycled Plastic Bottle Boat Join us in the Jerry Mason Learning Center, where we’ll learn about what makes a boat float and build our own boats by recycling plastic water bottles! This program is free with your museum admission ticket and limited to the first 40 participants per session.  Morning Session: 10:30-11:30 AM…

Join us for the launching of the Ruth Wiser Innovation Portal and show off your skills at the Plastic Boat Regatta! This competition will take place on June 20th from 1:00pm-2:00pm. The kid's competition will be split into two categories; Ages 10 & under and ages 11-17. Boats are highly encouraged to be built at home,…

Join us for the launch of the Ruth Wiser Innovation Portal and put your skills to the test in the Plastic Boat Regatta! The competition will take place on June 20 from 3:30–5:00 PM and is open to participants ages 18 and older. Boats are highly encouraged to be built at home, but participants may also…

Iron ore trimmers of the late 1800s worked by hand in gangs to level the cargo dumped into a vessel’s hold. It was dirty, exhausting work that depended on speed and reliability. Trimmers occupied a unique position on the docks, often fighting rival gangs and employers to keep the work in their control. The trimmers…