Spring Lecture Series: The Loss of the 𝘊𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩: Exploration, Discovery, and an Unexpected Tragedy

Join us for our 2026 Spring Lecture Series, presented by Larry and Karen Bettcher. Offered as a hybrid event, participants can choose when registering to take part in-person at the museum or online via Zoom.

The Loss of the Clough: Exploration, Discovery, and an Unexpected Tragedy

📅 Wednesday, April 15, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 In person at the National Museum of the Great Lakes or online via Zoom
💵 Free | Registration required

About the Lecture

In September 1868, the barkentine Clough departed Lorain, Ohio, heavily laden with tens of tons of grindstones and massive sandstone blocks, destined for hungry markets across the Great Lakes. A short time later, she became a ghostly testament to the unforgiving nature of 19th-century commerce, sinking in a fierce gale with the loss of seven of the eight souls onboard.

Over 150 years later the wreck site was found, but its discovery led to one final tragedy: the loss of the first person to dive the wreck, maritime archaeologist David VanZandt. 

This presentation will examine the regional trade in stone, the often dangerous world of Great Lakes shipping in the second half of the 19th century, the history of the vessel from its building to sinking  a mere 14 months later, as well as techniques for detecting and identifying shipwrecks.  

This lecture is free, but registration is required. Donations are always happily accepted.

About the Speaker

Chris Kraska is the son of an Irish mother and Polish Father who met and married in Scotland at the height of WWII while father was a seaman in the Polish Navy. 

Chris became involved in maritime archaeology in 2006 after attending the MAST (Maritime Archaeological Survey Team) workshop.

He subsequently served as a board member and chairman of the board of MAST until 2018.  Chris worked with CLUE (the Cleveland Underwater Explorers) for several years before joining the group as deputy director of archaeology in 2023.  Chris is also active with the Shipwreck Expedition Association, which has located and identified ships off the coast of Africa and in the Mediterranean, including his father’s warship which sank after striking a mine in 1942.  Most recently, he was elected President of the Ohio Archaeological Council.  Chris is a member of the Explorers Club and a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He has degrees in international relations, education, and anthropology and lives in Twinsburg with his wife Laurie.  He has taught public school in Cleveland for 25 years.