Fall Lecture Series: Gales of November—The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald

Join us for the our 2026 Fall Lecture Series, presented by Impact Employment Solutions. Participants can choose when registering to join us in-person at the Valentine Theatre or tune in online via Zoom. Please note the change in venue.

Wednesday, November 18 at 7 pm

Nearly 50 years after the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald, questions remain about what happened on that stormy November night. Join award-winning journalist and bestselling author John U. Bacon as he shares the remarkable stories behind one of the Great Lakes’ most iconic shipwrecks, exploring the lives of the crew, the families left behind, the ship’s enduring legacy, and the evidence surrounding its tragic sinking.

This hybrid lecture series is free to attend. Registration is required for both attendance options. While the series is offered at no cost, donations are gratefully accepted to support future educational programming.

Attending in-person? Due to increased interest, we changed venues and hosting with our partners at The Valentine Theatre (410 Adams St, Toledo, OH). The lecture will be held inside the theatre’s Grand Lobby. Doors open to the public at 6 p.m.

About the Speaker

John U. Bacon is an award-winning journalist and the author of 14 books, including eight national bestsellers. Most recently, he was awarded the 2026 Rear Admiral Samuel Eliot Morison Award for Naval Literature. His latest book, The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald, was a New York Times bestseller and earned a starred review from Kirkus. Bacon has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and Time magazine, and frequently appears on national television discussing sports, history, and leadership.

Meet our Sponsor

Impact Employment Solutions (IES) stands as a beacon of opportunity, offering a comprehensive suite of employment services tailored to meet the diverse needs of clients and job seekers alike. Specializing in temporary labor, temp-to-hire workforces, and direct hire permanent placements in HR, engineering, and technical trades, IES exemplifies dedication to facilitating seamless transitions into fulfilling employment opportunities.

Headquartered in Toledo, IES has forged enduring partnerships with numerous esteemed clients across Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Florida, and Canada. Their tailored approach ensures that each client’s unique operational landscape and requirements are met with precision and excellence. With a track record of success and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction, IES continues to shape the employment landscape, one successful placement at a time.

Parking Details

The Valentine Theatre recommends parking at the Kwik Park Lot (Paramount Lot, which is open air) directly across the street from the theatre (421 N Superior St). You can use cash or card at the booth to get inside the lot, and there will be a staff person manning the booth during the event. From the parking lot, you can see the theatre across the street, which should provide easy access. Another parking option is the Superior Street Garage, located about a half block down Superior Street. It’s a bit further away, but it is a great garage option that takes both cash and card. Street parking is also available all around the building and is free after 6 pm until 8 am on weekdays.