Speakers’ Bureau

Ten of the most important national stories that came from the Great Lakes.  Learn more about the new National Museum of the Great Lakes with our very own Top Ten list!

This talk follows the entire stream of the archaeologist, from research, to discovery, to investigation, and finally to analysis and publication.  Along the way examples of Lake Erie shipwrecks are used to highlight each step.

Hear about the life of Col. James M. Schoonmaker, the inspiration behind the construction of the “Queen of the Lakes” in 1911. His tale includes Civil War heroics, dealings with Iron Ore and the Coke Industry, his long-term friendship with William P. Snyder, and the Lake Erie Railroad Company.

We will explore a brief history of shipping on the Great Lakes that lead up to the impressive Edmund Fitzgerald.  She had an exciting life during the 18 years that she sailed, often carrying record breaking loads.  Her loss on November 10, 1975 still puzzles many to this day.  We will explore several of the prevailing theories on her loss. 

A thorough history of travel on the Great Lakes, either for immigration or enjoyment, from the 19th century schooners to the lavish steamboats of the early 20th century.

Take a look at the history of the Battle and the work that GLHS is doing to attempt to identify the battlefield.  We will also look at other War of 1812 Naval archaeological sites around the Great Lakes.

Join us for a historical and cultural re-examination of piracy and it implications for understanding Great Lakes history. No parrots, or peg legs, included but a healthy dose of thievery, mutiny, and other unsavory tales.

The story of the worst day in commercial shipping on Lake Erie, four ships were lost and over 50 lives.

These two ships came together in the early hours of June 21, 1868 and both sank quickly.  Over 30 lives were lost.  The Morning Star was discovered in the 1980’s.  The Cortland was not discovered until the summer of 2005.  This talk tells each ships story, the view point from each ship as they approached each other on Lake Erie, and what has happened since they sank.

This presentation follows the history of a popular shipwreck, shows how it impacted all of the Great Lakes, talks about the ongoing archaeological investigations, and promotes its preservation for future generations.

This presentation covers the recent discovery of the side-wheel steamer that sank in 1850.  We cover what is known, what is believed, and what we are finding from the archaeology.  Included is extensive coverage of our 2008 field season.

This talk explores the history of shipping on the Great Lakes and showcases resources for people interested in Genealogical research.

This talk takes a look at the history and the mystery behind the sinking of the Marquette and Bessemer #2, which occurred on December 7, 1909.

Commemorate the loss of the Titanic with this overview presentation of the ship, its building, first trip, and sinking.  Throughout we will look at Great Lakes connections to this story.

A highlight of how the Great Lakes were protected during World War II by the use of sailors in the Coast Guard Temporary Reserve.

Learn about three Lake Erie shipwrecks that have a tie to Toledo: they were built here, it was the last port of call, or it was the intended port of call.

This follows the discovery of a steamboat in Oklahoma, how archaeology and research led to its identification, and the why the cargo came from Ohio.