Our slate of presenters promises to be highly entertaining and include the following individuals.
FRIDAY SPEAKERS
Sara Summers-Luedtke is the Director of the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center and she will share news from the museum and completion of landscaping around the property.
Dale Koziol has spent many years as a volunteer working on the historic museum vessel SS Meteor located in Superior, Wisconsin, and will discuss the history of this unique whaleback type boat, from its beginnings up through its current status.
Fred Stonehouse has written numerous books and articles on Great Lakes shipping and will share with us the story of the United States Coast Guard’s historic Great Lakes life-saving service and rescues nation-wide with a number of saltwater battles discussed for contrast.
Patrick Kelly is the Chief Executive Officer of Fraser Shipyards located in Superior, WI, and he will
provide an update on current work at the facility as well as new initiatives they are involved in, including bringing new shipbuilding opportunities to the Great Lakes.
Tim Zager has spent years collection rare and unusual memorabilia from the heyday of Great Lakes passenger travel, with an emphasis on dining china that also includes versions used on bulk carrier fleets. Join us as Tim shares examples from his collection and the history associated with them.
University of Minnesota Duluth and the crew of research vessel Blue Heron will discuss the ship’s mission for UMD’s Large Lakes Observatory. After their presentation, attendees of Gales will be able to tour the vessel, which will be moored at the DECC.
SATURDAY SPEAKERS
Kelsey Prihoda is the LSMMA’s Vice President and chair of the lighthouse committee. She will share an update on the exciting progress to restore the association’s south pier outer light station.
Tamara Thomsen is a maritime archaeologist with the Wisconsin Historical Society and will review recent findings from their department as they relate to NOAA’s Project 2030 lakebed mapping project that has found shipwrecks.
Michelle Briggs – Director of the Soo Locks Visitor Center – will provide an update on the massive new lock being constructed at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
Ken Merryman, a well-known Great Lakes shipwreck expert, will provide recent 3D shipwreck mapping updates.
LeRoy Rubinas has done extensive research into the history of the bulk carrier SS J.B. Ford and will share his findings, including storms the laker was involved in, its fleetmates, and final disposition.
Guy Meadows will look at wave length differences between the Great Lakes versus the ocean and how that has impacted vessel construction and other interesting impacts.