Rouse Simmons which sank off Two Rivers, Wis., on November 23, 1912, with a load of Christmas trees for Chicago. Photo by Cal Kothrade.

Become a Member

Support the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society
To become a member or renew, please fill out our membership form and return it by mail:

Wisconsin Marine Historical Society
814 West Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee WI 53233

Benefits of Membership

Anyone interested in marine history is welcome to join the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society.

Membership in the Society gives you opportunities to learn about Wisconsin’s and the Great Lakes’ marine history, socialize with history buffs, and do marine history research using the organization’s vast collection of historical records and photographs. You also have the opportunity to turn your research into articles for publication in the Societyʼs newsletter, Soundings.

As a member, you will receive:

A subscription to Soundings, our member-edited, quarterly publication on marine history.
Invitations to events, programs, and dinners, including a holiday program recalling the historic “Christmas Tree” ship and the annual meeting and Founders’ auction held at one of Milwaukee’s yacht clubs.
An invitation to join members and their guests on a boat cruise on Lake Michigan, Milwaukeeʼs Harbor, or other Wisconsin waterways.
Invitations to hear and meet engaging speakers on marine history, shipwrecks, diving, lighthouses, and all manner of vessels and marine works. These are occasions to meet members and guests with business, commercial, military, and government interests in marine affairs.
Opportunities to do original research using source material in the Society’s extensive written and photographic collection of Great Lakes vessels.
Opportunities to submit researched articles for publication in Soundings.
An invitation to the Societyʼs annual luncheon for member volunteers and their guests who record and preserve research material or perform other services to the Society.
Opportunities to be an officer of the Society and a member of its Board of Trustees, as well as to become a member of a committee that fits your talents and interests.
Assistance with your research. Fees apply for photocopying, scanning, and complex research.

The St. Marys Challenger had a 107-year long career, most of it as a cement carrier. Built in 1906, she was converted to a barge in 2013. Here she’s shown in Milwaukee in 2008. MPL / WMHS Great Lakes Marine Collection

Membership Levels

Sailor – $50
Crew (Family) – $75
Ensign – $100
Lieutenant – 250*
Captain – $500*
Admiral – $1,000*

*These include your choice of WMHS Ball Cap, Maritime Milwaukee Book, Schooner Days Book, WMHS Tote Bag, or none. Please note your choice when joining.

All dues are used to fund the activities and publications of the Society.

Member Form

Wisconsin Marine Historical Society’s Mission

The Society is a volunteer organization that operates solely and exclusively as a nonprofit agency and works jointly with the Milwaukee Public Library for scientific, literary, and educational purposes. This includes recording and preserving documents, photographs, records, and objects relating to all marine aspects of the history, geology, geography, environment, folklore, commerce, industry, and recreational use of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway.

We focus on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, including the Upper Mississippi River System, as well as the lakes and rivers within Wisconsin used by all types of watercraft.

Anyone with an interest in marine history is welcome to join the Society. Members include sailors, former sailors, lighthouse enthusiasts, divers, historians, shipbuilders, active and retired Coast Guard and Naval personnel, shipping industry employees, port authority officials, and others interested in marine history.

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