Lost Mariners Remembrance

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Lake Erie’s very own Perfect Storm hit on October 20, 1916. Through the course of the day and night, four commercial vessels were lost to their watery graves, taking more than 50 sailors with them. Join Carrie Sowden, Archaeological Director of the National Museum of the Great Lakes, as we discuss each ship, their history, and what happened as they went down – all across Lake Erie. The stories of the D.L Filer, James B Colgate, Merida, and Marshall Butters are as different as can be. In this year, the 100th anniversary of the storm and losses, we will honor the sailors and their vessels.

A lantern vigil at the Edmund Fitzgerald anchor begins the night, followed by a performance by Lee Murdock, Great Lakes balladeer, and an Honor Guard escort of the memorial wreath to the Detroit River for receipt by the Honor Flotilla of Great Lakes vessels.

Admission is $5 for members, $10 for guests, and $25 for families of up to six. Seating is limited, and advance registration is required, as this event is expected to sell out. Please call 313.833.1801 or visit www.detroithistorical.org for more information or to register. Tickets are not expected to be available at the door, but the public is welcome to watch the flotilla from the river bank adjacent to the museum at no charge.

Special thanks to the Canadian Shipowners Association and the Lake Carriers’ Association for co-sponsoring and to the International Shipmasters’ Association Lodge #7 for their support of this program.