Our Blog
Wisconsin Marine Historical Society is a self-supported nonprofit organization committed to collecting, preserving, archiving, and sharing materials that illuminate the rich heritage of the Great Lakes maritime industry. Check out our blog to dive deep into the fascinating narratives and events that have shaped the Great Lakes maritime legacy.
Wisconsin shipbuilder’s Navy-commissioned submarines battled in World War II Pacific Theater
October 5, 2020First in a series By James Heinz As Hitler ravaged Europe, and blitzed London, the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co. prepared to build the first of twenty-eight submarines destined for combat in the Pacific. On this seventy-fifth anniversary of the end of World War II, the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society starts a…Read more
Great Lakes’ record-breaking levels may have peaked; now declining but still dangerous as autumn storms approach
September 28, 2020By Dan Patrinos Living on the nineteenth floor of a high-rise on a Lake Michigan bluff is the perfect perch to view the lake’s range of emotions. With a sweep of perhaps thirty miles, I’ve seen both ends of rainbows, placid blue water change from jade green to pewter gray,…Read more
WMHS president highlights successes, struggles leading a nonprofit historical society
September 18, 2020By Carl Eisenberg After years of loving sailing and learning to respect the water, in 1984 I joined the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society to support its efforts. After years of attending WMHS social functions, in 2009, just after I retired, I started volunteering, and in 2016became the Society’s president. I…Read more
Every major town along Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan coastline has at least one lighthouse
September 11, 2020Last in a SeriesWisconsin’s Lake Michigan Coastline By Ken and Barb Wardius In its long and storied maritime history, Wisconsin shorelines have been graced by forty-eight lighthouses. From Lake Superior to Lake Michigan and inland Lake Winnebago, lighthouses are an integral part of our heritage. No symbol is more synonymous with…Read more
Most visited beacon in Wisconsin, Cana Island Lighthouse played a crucial role in Door County’s nautical history
September 8, 2020Fourth in a SeriesCana Island Lighthouse, Door County By Ken and Barb Wardius In its long and storied maritime history, Wisconsin shorelines have been graced by forty-eight lighthouses. From Lake Superior to Lake Michigan and inland Lake Winnebago, lighthouses are an integral part of our heritage. No symbol is more synonymous…Read more
Restored Grassy Island Range Lights gave safe passage on busy Bay of Green Bay
August 28, 2020Third in a SeriesGrassy Island Range Lights, Bay of Green Bay By Ken and Barb Wardius In its long and storied maritime history, Wisconsin shorelines have been graced by forty-eight lighthouses. From Lake Superior to Lake Michigan and inland Lake Winnebago, lighthouses are an integral part of our heritage. No…Read more
Lighthouse on Lake Winnebago played a vital role on workhorse waterway
August 21, 2020Second in a SeriesFond du Lac Lighthouse, Lake Winnebago By Ken and Barb Wardius In its long and storied maritime history, Wisconsin shorelines have been graced by forty-eight lighthouses. From Lake Superior to Lake Michigan and inland Lake Winnebago, lighthouses are an integral part of our heritage. No symbol is…Read more
Wisconsin Lighthouses: Beacons that saved sailors, ships and cargo
August 14, 2020First in a SeriesRaspberry Island Lighthouse, Lake Superior By Ken and Barb Wardius In its long and storied maritime history, Wisconsin shorelines have been graced by forty-eight lighthouses. From Lake Superior to Lake Michigan and inland Lake Winnebago, lighthouses are an integral part of our heritage. No symbol is more synonymous…Read more
Lessons learned from sailing — the hard way
August 7, 2020By Carl Eisenberg My love affair with the sea started long ago, and far, far away, when as a three year old redhead, my parents took me on a big cruise boat. I don’t remember much about that trip, but I’m sure my parents remembered it for a long time.…Read more
