Free First Sundays
2026-04-12 10:00 - 17:00 (America/Detroit) | Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven, MI, 49090, United States
The Michigan Maritime Museum is open the first Sundays of every month from November through April from 10am-5pm with FREE admission for all visitors!
Drop in to the Jerry Mason Learning Center between 11am-1pm, to make art with the South Haven Center for the Arts! Create a drawing composition with a viewfinder. Make a unique piece of beach glass art. All ages are welcome.
Guests can explore the Museum’s indoor and outdoor galleries, featuring a mix of permanent and rotating exhibits that celebrate Michigan’s rich maritime history. Step aboard the Full Steam Ahead exhibit and experience the golden age of steamship travel on the Great Lakes, or discover the heroism and ingenuity of the U.S. Coast Guard Lifesaving Service. Be sure to explore the Museum’s collection of antique and historically significant boats, some dating back to the 1800s.
While at the Museum, don’t miss the chance to learn a classic sailor’s skill by practicing maritime knot tying in the Jerry Mason Learning Center.
Make plans today to visit and discover the wonders of the Michigan Maritime Museum.

From Forest to Shore: Stories of Michigan’s Land and Lakes- Birds of the Great Lakes
2026-04-15 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Detroit) | Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven, MI, 49090, United States
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 stories, scientific insights, and cultural perspectives, each lecture will highlight how forests, wetlands, and shorelines have shaped Michigan’s history, ecology, and communities. Join us as we journey across time and terrain—celebrating the resilience of nature and the enduring legacy of life along the lakes.
The Great Lakes are a unique natural wonder, shaping not just the ecosystem of Michigan but also affecting the movements of animals across the continent! Join Kalamazoo Nature Center’s Jackie Shea to learn more about how our incredible shorelines make us a hotspot for migratory birds and waterfowl, and leave with a deeper appreciation of the avian world around us.
Tickets are free for Michigan Maritime Museum members and Kalamazoo Nature Center members. $10 for non-members. Doors open at 6 PM. Tickets will only be available for purchase in person.

Coast Guard Clean-Up
2026-04-25 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven, MI, 49090, United States
Semper Paratus! US Coast Guard and Auxiliary as well as Sea Cadets will be on our Museum campus to clean and polish our amazing historic Coast Guard vessels and clean up our Coast Guard exhibits to honor those that came before them.

Come see these incredible boats and meet the fantastic men and women of the US Coast Guard! Free with Museum Admission.

MMM Lecture Series: Rosie the Riveter & Beyond: How Women Helped Win WWII
2026-04-30 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Detroit) | Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven, MI, 49090, United States
Join us for a special presentation with Jeannette Gutierrez of the Michigan Rosies as she highlights women’s important contribution to Allied Victory in World War II with a special focus on Michigan’s maritime activities. Jeannette delves into the many ways women did their part, including war production work, women in the armed forces, volunteer women, and celebrity influencers. The Michigan Rosies is a proudly independent and Michigan-based nonprofit group dedicated to honoring the Rosies of WWII and to preserving Rosie’s legacy in Michigan and beyond. Learn more at www.michiganrosies.org.

Tickets are free for Museum members and $10 for non-members. Doors open at 6 PM. You can purchase tickets for this event online, over the phone, or in-person.

This lecture series is made possible thanks to the Nielsen-Wells Grant Fund and Mike & Sue Smith.
The virtual viewing is made possible thanks to Steve & Emily Holt.
Reserve Tickets Here!
Purchase your Virtual Lecture Pass Here!

Mother’s Day Make and Take
2026-05-09 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Detroit) | Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven, MI, 49090, United States
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 Upjohn-Mason

Annual Meeting of the Membership
2026-05-22 15:00 - 16:30 (America/Detroit) | Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven, MI, 49090, United States
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 the Jerry Mason Learning Center for children ages 6 and up and is reserved for those attending the meeting. Children will enjoy supervised activities, including make-and-take crafts. Younger children are absolutely welcome, but must have an adult remain with them in the Jerry Mason Learning Center.

Pursuant to the Museum’s bylaws, the following notices are provided to the membership in advance of the 2026 Annual Meeting:
The following amendment to the bylaws is proposed by the Board of Directors. If approved, it would allow for the seating of two non-voting Junior Board Members beginning in 2027.
Article V – Board of Directors
Section 12. Junior Board Members
The Board may appoint up to two (2) Junior Board Members who are emerging leaders at an early stage in their professional or academic careers.
Junior Board Members shall not be counted toward the establishment of a quorum and shall not possess voting rights or rights to access knowledge on matters involving legal authority, fiduciary responsibility, financial oversight, or governance.
The purpose of the Junior Board Members is to provide a young adult perspective to the Board, assist in community outreach and engagement, and cultivate leadership development under the mentorship of the Board of Directors.
Junior Board Members shall be appointed for a one-year term and may be renewed for up to three (3) additional one-year terms. Candidates shall be selected through the Nominations Committee following an application and interview process.
Junior Board Members are expected to attend at least five (5) Board meetings annually (virtually or in person) and participate in a minimum of two (2) volunteer or Museum-sponsored activities per year, with a total of no less than twenty-five (25) volunteer hours completed annually.

The following candidates are submitted for membership approval to be seated as Board members in 2026, each to serve a three-year term in accordance with the Museum’s bylaws: BOARD CANDIDATES

Blessing of the Fleet and Fish Fry
2026-05-22 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Detroit) | Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven, MI, 49090, United States
Join the Michigan Maritime Museum Friday, May 22nd from 5:00-7:00pm for our annual Blessing of the Fleet and Fish Fry!
Blessing boats at the start of a season or long journey is a centuries old tradition across the world. Here at the Michigan Maritime Museum, we will be blessing our On-Water fleet as well as many other boats from the South Haven harbor.
Directly following the blessing will be a fish fry, featuring the famous fried lake perch from our neighbors at Captain Lou’s.
Tickets are $22 for Museum members and $27 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone, or in person.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

MMM Lecture Series: Unraveling the Mysteries of a Michigan Dugout Canoe
2026-05-27 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Detroit) | Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven, MI, 49090, United States
Join us as former MMM curator Kenneth Pott reflects on the discovery and documentation of one of the Michigan Maritime Museum’s oldest artifacts, a 16 foot long dugout canoe. After the presentation, we will be officially premiering the canoe’s new display inside the Heritage Center, featuring a custom, professional grade artifact case and new interpretative panels to share the history of this rare indigenous-built vessel.

Tickets are free for Museum members and $10 for non-members. Doors open at 6 PM. You can purchase tickets for this event online, over the phone, or in-person.

This lecture series is made possible thanks to the Nielsen-Wells Grant Fund and Mike & Sue Smith.
The virtual viewing is made possible thanks to Steve & Emily Holt.
Reserve Tickets Here!
Purchase your Virtual Lecture Pass Here!

Free FUN Fest!
2026-06-06 11:00 - 15:00 (America/Detroit) | Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven, MI, 49090, United States
Join us Saturday, June 6th from 11:00am-3:00pm for Free FUN Fest! This educational community carnival is fun, festive, and open to everyone! The campus of the Michigan Maritime Museum will be filled with games, giveaways, educational activities, and so much more! To top it off, all activities and museum entry are FREE!
FREE city-wide shuttle available to and from the SH Senior Center, City Hall, and the Michigan Maritime Museum.
LUNCH OPTIONS ($1 each) and RAFFLE TICKETS ($1 each) are available for purchase (cash only).

Event Brochure and Map
Thank You FFF Sponsors!!
CAPTAINS $500 ++
Clementines
Meijer
Lake Arvesta Farms
South Haven Brew Pub
Fleming Brothers Oil
Red Hots Chili
Gull Lake Marine
Ace Hardware/Green Egg
Anonymous
Cottage Home
Kiwanis Club
Tom & Laura Jagar
Women of the Moose Lodge
Willow Bend
COMMADORES $200-$499
Advanced Family Eyecare
Apple Insurance
Carhartt
Coastal Outdoor
Country House Furniture
Crescent Moon
Huntington Bank
Janny’s Beach House
Jaqua Realtors
Jeff & Bailey Sisoy-Moore
Lilac Soap Company
Little Store Fennville
MI Moore Theaters
Overisel Lumber
Pristine West Cleaning Services
Stugis Credit Union
Windy City Publishers
ADMIRALS $100- $199
5th 3rd Bank
Anchor Point Premier Vacations
Better Made Chips
Carla Ruppert
Cindi Compton
Crusin’ Tiki
Depot Deli
D&L Sales
Future Echo Astrology
Glenn & Kathy Metalman
Goody’s Wash N Go
Steve & Jennifer Salasky
Kars Nuts & Salty Snacks
Lake Michigan Powersports
McFadden Friendly Motors
North Shore Gardens
Overhiser Orchard
Shick Sisters
Shooting Star Uniques
Steve & Jennifer Salasky
Subs N More

Fish Tales Storytime
2026-06-10 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-17 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-24 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-01 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-08 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-15 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Detroit) | Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven, MI, 49090, United States
Come visit the Michigan Maritime Museum for a weekly storytime featuring a rotating selection of books and storytellers every Wednesday, June through August, from 11:00 to 12:00 PM in either the Jerry Mason Learning Center or, weather permitting, under the Ruth Wiser Innovation Tent.
This event is free with membership or admission to the museum.

From Forest to Shore: Stories of Michigan’s Land and Lakes- Commercial Fishing on Lake Michigan
2026-06-11 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Detroit) | Kalamazoo Nature Center, 7000 N Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49090-1065, United States
A Collaborative Lecture Series by Kalamazoo Nature Center & Michigan Maritime Museum
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR 7/30/2026 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 stories, scientific insights, and cultural perspectives, each lecture will highlight how forests, wetlands, and shorelines have shaped Michigan’s history, ecology, and communities. Join us as we journey across time and terrain—celebrating the resilience of nature and the enduring legacy of life along the lakes.
Join Michigan Maritime Museum Director Bailey Sisoy-Moore as she explores the rich, often gritty history of one of the Great Lakes’ most important industries! Trace the evolution of commercial fishing on Lake Michigan from Indigenous fishing traditions and early hand-set gill nets to steam-powered tugs, state regulation, and the industrialization that reshaped the trade and meet the people who pulled their livelihood from the lake and the communities that grew up around docks and nets.
Tickets are free for Michigan Maritime Museum members and Kalamazoo Nature Center members. $10 for non-members.
This event will be hosted at Kalamazoo Nature Center.

Maritime Makers
2026-06-12 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-19 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-03 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-10 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Detroit) | Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven, MI, 49090, United States
Set sail for creativity at the Museum every Friday from 1:00–3:00 pm, June through August. Drop in for a hands-on maritime craft perfect for curious kids and families. No registration needed—just bring your imagination. The activity is free with membership or museum admission.
Sponsored by Cathy and Clark Carmichael

Great Lakes Learners- Build a Recycled Plastic Bottle Boat
2026-06-13 10:30 - 14:30 (America/Detroit) | Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven, MI, 49090, United States
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
Afternoon Session: 1:30-2:30 PM

Ruth Wiser Plastic Boat Regatta: Kid's Competition
2026-06-20 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Detroit) | Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven, MI, 49090, United States
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, but participants may also build during our open boat-building session beginning at 11:00 AM in the Jerry Mason Learning Center. Please note that supplies will be limited.
Participants should arrive at the museum no later than 12:45 PM to register for the regatta. All boats must be checked in and measured by 1:00 PM to compete.
Free with membership or museum entry!
OFFICIAL RULES HERE

Ruth Wiser Plastic Boat Regatta: Adult Competition
2026-06-20 15:30 - 17:00 (America/Detroit) | Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven, MI, 49090, United States
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 build during our open boat-building session beginning at 11:00 AM in the Jerry Mason Learning Center. Please note that supplies will be limited.
Participants must arrive at the museum by 3:15 PM on June 20 to register. All boats must be checked in, measured, and the $10 entry fee paid by 3:30 PM in order to compete.
The registration fee is $10 per boat, and all proceeds benefit the Michigan Maritime Museum.
OFFICIAL RULES HERE

P.I.R.A.T.E Camp Session 1
2026-06-23 09:00 - 2026-06-26 17:00 (America/Detroit) | Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven, MI, 49090, United States
P.I.R.A.T.E Camp stands for…
Play. Imagine. Research. Adventure. Think. Explore.
Each camp session will be split into two age groups: Grades 3 to 4 and Grades 5 to 6. Please note that the June session and July session will be the same program.
P.I.R.A.T.E CAMP SESSION 1
Tuesday, June 23- Friday, June 26, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (aftercare available until 5:30 pm)
Set sail on a summer of discovery with the Michigan Maritime Museum’s full day summer camp! We’ll set sail on our tall ship Friends Good Will, paddle aboard a voyager canoe, get up close with local wildlife, make baggywrinkles (you’ll have to find out), and even go on a treasure hunt! Pirate camper crafts include making signal flags, sewing felt fish, and assembling our own wooden boats.
Afternoon snacks and reusable water bottles will be provided. Campers will need to bring their own lunch (no refrigeration). Sails and activities are all weather permitting, however, fun is happening rain or shine.
Price: $200
Member Price: $175
Registration is closed, all slots have been filled.
Thanks to the sponsorship of Cathy & Clark Carmichael, Mike & Sue Smith, and the South Haven Area Community Foundation.

MMM Lecture Series: Iron Ore Trimmers Wars on the Upper Great Lakes
2026-06-23 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Detroit) | Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven, MI, 49090, United States
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 of Escanaba and Marquette fought in a series of conflicts local papers dubbed the “trimmer wars,” battling with fists, shovels, clubs, and sometimes bullets.

Tickets are free for Museum members and $10 for non-members. Doors open at 6 PM. You can purchase tickets for this event online, over the phone, or in-person.

This lecture series is made possible thanks to the Nielsen-Wells Grant Fund and Mike & Sue Smith.
The virtual viewing is made possible thanks to Steve & Emily Holt.
Reserve Tickets Here!
Purchase your Virtual Lecture Pass Here!

Great Lakes Learners x Sarett Nature Center: Wildlife Wonders
2026-06-27 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Detroit) | Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven, MI, 49090, United States
WildLife Wonders
The Michigan Maritime Museum is excited to host the Sarett Nature Center and their Wildlife Wonders program. Sarett naturalists will bring along a variety of animal ambassadors and taxidermied mounts to this program so we can learn about animal adaptations, diets, and animal habitats. This program is free with your museum admission ticket and limited to the first 40 participants.
Morning Session: 10:30-11:30 AM

Michigan Soldiers in the War of 1812
2026-06-27 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Detroit) | Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven, MI, 49090, United States
Michigan Soldiers in the War of 1812
Date: Saturday, June 27th, 2026
Time: 2:00-3:30 PM
Join Military History Academy Educator Jerry Berg as he takes us back to when Michigan Territory became the first theater of the War of 1812. Through weapons and clothing, we’ll learn about how Michigan citizens and soldiers had to find their own ways to prepare for combat. This presentation will also take a look at the unique military units recruited from Michigan’s frontier population, the battles fought within Michigan, and even a story about a Michigan unit that took up arms for the British!
This event is free with admission to the museum. If you purchase your tickets in advance, just check in at the Museum Welcome Desk with your name.
REGISTER FOR TICKETS HERE

Maritime Bingo for Books
2026-07-10 15:00 - 16:30 (America/Detroit) | Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven, MI, 49090, United States
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 learn that Eber Brock Ward was Michigan’s first millionaire, making his fortune in shipping, or B9 to discover that 9 pounds is the average weight of a steelhead trout caught in Lake Michigan. Every call turns the game into a fast-paced learning experience.
Winners choose a children’s or adult book from a curated gift shop selection, receive a sticker prize pack, and—of course—earn high fives all around. Hosted by Michigan Maritime Museum Executive Director Bailey Sisoy Moore. We hope you’ll join us.
Reserve your tickets here
Cost: $10 for members | $15 for non-members

ADULTS ONLY: Maritime Bingo for Books
2026-07-10 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Detroit) | Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven, MI, 49090, United States
Join Executive Director Bailey Sisoy-Moore for a riotous, rowdy, and downright ridiculous night of fun at the Michigan Maritime Museum.
On Friday, July 10, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, we’ll gather in the R.B. Annis Room for a special adults-only Maritime Bingo for Books.
Think bingo—but like you’ve never seen it before.

Which Great Lakes captain lived fast, loved hard, and left behind the most marriages?
How big can a monster sturgeon really get—and would you want to meet one?
Which lonely lighthouse kept the same three souls watching the horizon for generations?
What ship stretched longer than your imagination—and ruled the lakes because of it?
Which American “princess” turned shipping fortune into a jaw-dropping $3 million dowry?
Which ship met a dramatic end just miles from safety?
What cargo once made fortunes—and disappeared overnight?
Which Great Lakes storm rewrote maritime history in a single night?
And so much more….

No maritime knowledge required—this isn’t trivia. It’s bingo with bite-sized lessons woven in: part show, part lecture, and an absolute blast, where anyone can play, win, and have a great time.

All game supplies are provided.
In the great tradition of bingo halls, this is BYOB—please bring your own drinks and snacks to enjoy during the event.
Winners will select a fabulous maritime book of their choice from Maggie’s Ship Store, the museum’s gift shop. Whether you’re interested in Great Lakes history, invasive species, or legendary shipwrecks, there’s something for everyone.
This special presentation contains adult themes and is not suitable for children or families. Guests of all ages are warmly invited to attend our regular Maritime Bingo for Books, taking place the same day from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Come ready to learn, explore, and win.
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE
Cost: $10 for members | $15 for non-members

Great Lakes Learners x Sarett Nature Center: Slime and Scales
2026-07-11 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Detroit) | Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven, MI, 49090, United States
Slime and Scales
The Michigan Maritime Museum is excited to host the Sarett Nature Center and their Slime and Scales program. Discover the world of herpetology by looking into the differences between reptiles and amphibians. Both native and non-native species will be discussed using live animal ambassadors. This program is free with your museum admission ticket and limited to the first 40 participants.
Morning Session: 10:30-11:30 AM
