The following article was written by Kirsten Smith, a Youth Services Associate at the Manitowoc Public Library.
Calling all young explorers! All Aboard for an afternoon of discovery at Shipwreck Detectives, a hands-on maritime archaeology adventure designed especially for families! Join us at Manitowoc Public Library on Wednesday, August 6, at 2 PM in the Balkansky Community Room for an exciting look beneath the waves, presented by Wisconsin Maritime Museum.
Exploring Lake Michigan’s Shipwrecks
Lake Michigan is home to hundreds of shipwrecks, each with its own fascinating story. From schooners and steamships to tugboats and barges, these vessels once navigated the Great Lakes, carrying passengers and cargo across the waters. Some met their untimely fate due to treacherous storms, navigational errors, or collisions, leaving behind submerged mysteries waiting to be unraveled.
One recent discovery is the J.C. Ames, a 160-foot tugboat scuttled near Manitowoc in 1923. Once among the largest and most powerful tugs on the Great Lakes, it boasted a 670-horsepower engine. Its wreck offers insight into early 20th-century ship retirement practices and the evolving life cycle of working vessels.
Arguably, the most iconic shipwreck in the region is the Rouse Simmons, affectionately known as the “Christmas Tree Ship.” This three-masted schooner sank in 1912 while transporting a festive cargo of evergreens to Chicago. Now resting off Rawley Point, the wreck endures as a poignant tribute to the area’s maritime heritage.
The Science of Underwater Archaeology
Shipwreck exploration goes beyond diving—it is about uncovering history through scientific methods. Maritime archaeologists rely on sonar imaging, underwater photography, and meticulous documentation to investigate wrecks while preserving their delicate structures. The Wisconsin Historical Society’s Maritime Preservation Program plays a vital role in safeguarding and interpreting these submerged artifacts for future generations.
Participants in the Shipwreck Detectives program will get an introduction to these techniques, learning how experts analyze artifacts, map wreck sites, and uncover clues about the past. To bring shipwreck exploration to life, children will hand-draw their own shipwreck site and tell the story behind their vessel—what it carried, how it sank, and what future archaeologists might uncover about it!
The Urgency of Shipwreck Preservation
Studying shipwrecks has never been more important. Quagga mussels, an invasive species, are rapidly deteriorating Lake Michigan’s historic wrecks. Unlike zebra mussels, quagga mussels thrive in deeper waters, covering shipwrecks and accelerating their decay. Their weight and acidic secretions weaken wooden and metal structures, causing them to collapse over time. Maritime archaeologists are racing against time to document and preserve these wrecks before they are lost forever. Programs like Shipwreck Detectives help raise awareness about this urgent issue and inspire future generations to protect Wisconsin’s underwater heritage.
Resources for Shipwreck Enthusiasts
For those eager to dive deeper into Wisconsin’s maritime history, several resources offer incredible insights:
- PBS Wisconsin’s “Legend of the Lost Emerald”—An interactive game that lets players step into the shoes of a maritime archaeologist, solving shipwreck mysteries inspired by real Great Lakes history: https://pbswisconsineducation.org/emerald/play-the-game/
- Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary—A protected area in Lake Michigan that preserves historic wrecks and offers opportunities for research and education: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/wisconsin/
- Wisconsin Maritime Museum—Located in Manitowoc, this museum showcases exhibits on shipwrecks, the USS COBIA, and Great Lakes shipping history: https://www.wisconsinmaritime.org/
Join the Adventure!
Whether your child is a history buff, a budding archaeologist, or simply curious about the mysteries beneath the surface of Lake Michigan, the Shipwreck Detectives program is the perfect opportunity to explore, learn, and uncover hidden stories.
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, August 6, at 2 PM and set sail for an unforgettable adventure at Manitowoc Public Library. Who knows—you might just solve one of the lake’s greatest mysteries!