Events

In 1905, Chicago socialite Evelyn Wright boarded a 32-foot sloop alongside her cousin Sara. They would become the first all-woman team to “man” a boat participating in the fledgling Chicago Yacht Club’s race to Mackinac. Join journalist and researcher, Mark Reid and Chicago Maritime Museum Curator, Madeline Crispell, as they share their research into the…

Clothing, Canvas, & Craft: Civilian Sailors of the Early 19th Century  Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026  Time: 12:30- 1:30 PM  Join us as Samson Historical unveils the latest in fashion for sailors… circa early 1800s that is! This presentation will cover civilian sailors’ clothing, gear, and personal items along with context on how individuals may…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…