Algonac-Clay Historical Society will open Maritime Museum to pay tribute
By Barb Pert Templeton
The 50th Anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald during a storm on Lake Superior in November 1975, including the loss of 29 crew members, is being recognized throughout the state and beyond this weekend.
Close to home the Algonac-Clay Historical Society will host a special event at their Maritime Museum on Monday, Nov. 10 from 2 to 6 p.m. The theme, “Gone but Not Forgotten” will honor those lost in the tragedy while sharing exhibits and short presentations about the infamous ship. The museum’s shop, Ship to Shore, will have special commemorative t-shirts, key rings, books and puzzles on sale during the event.
Evans and Martha Szymanski, of Algonac, have worked alongside other members of the historical society to prepare for the special event. Mr. Szymanski helped setup and design the exhibits at the museum while his wife takes care of running the store.
“It’s just wonderful what the guys have done for this event,” Mrs. Szymanski said.
A special exhibit with the theme “Gone but Not Forgotten” has been created by members of the Algonac-Clay Historical Society and will be part of a special event at the Maritime Museum on Monday, Nov. 10 from 2 to 6 p.m.
The Edmund Fitzgerald exhibit will include a special display of the ship that’s eight-foot long carved out of a log plus another four-foot model that reflects the ship on the bottom of the lake. Both items were donated to the museum by former city residents, Dick and Barbara McDonald.
“We really want to pay tribute to the Edmund Fitzgerald and our theme is “Gone but Not Forgotten,” Mr. Szymanski said, noting there will also be several pieces of art hanging above the display along with a large banner.
In addition to the displays, society Historian David Allegoet, has put together all the facts about the ship which will be shared with museum visitors that day.
Volunteers from the society will be on hand to welcome people to the museum and then show them around. Organizers set the hours, from 2 to 6 p.m., for the event so if people are working, perhaps they can stop by on their way home.
“I’m very excited about this, I really am, a 50th Anniversary is a once in a lifetime event and we want to remember those poor lost souls,” Mr. Szymanski said.
About the Maritime Museum
The Algonac-Clay Historical Society Maritime Museum opened in Algonac in 2013 in a building that was formerly the First State Bank. At that time the society had a lot of items in storage including a boat, that had been donated so they were eager to put those things on display.
Since Algonac has a long history of boat building, including Chris-Craft and Gar Wood those topics remain the mainstay in the museum but the group also takes donations of other boats as they are offered. For example, someone from Petoskey called and wanted to donate a boat from 1910 with a motor launch design that they found in their parents’ garage and the museum was happy to accept it.
A special exhibit with the theme “Gone but Not Forgotten” has been created by members of the Algonac-Clay Historical Society and will be part of a special event at the Maritime Museum on Monday, Nov. 10 from 2 to 6 p.m.
“We get stuff from everywhere really and sometimes we have to say no because we don’t have the space,” Mrs. Szymanski said.
The museum is comprised of four-rooms, a Chris-Craft room, a Gar Wood room, a freighters and tall ships room and the River Room where the group hosts meetings and special events.
The society currently boasts nearly 300 members, many who live beyond the city but still want to keep up on what’s happening in Algonac.
“We are very lucky to have people that don’t even live here still supportive of the historical society,” Mrs. Szymanski said.
The museum is open on Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. from April until the last weekend in October although they will open upon request for special visitors.
The Maritime Museum is located at 1117 St. Clair River Drive in Algonac.
Other services and ceremonies marking the 50th Anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald:
· Mariners’ Church (Detroit, MI): Two services will be held: a Great Lakes Memorial Service on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 11 a.m., and a Special Anniversary Eucharist on Monday, Nov. 10 at 12:10 p.m. The church bell will toll for both.
· Dossin Great Lakes Museum (Detroit, MI): The 26th Annual Lost Mariners Remembrance will take place on Nov. 10. The sold-out event includes music, a wreath ceremony, and a new documentary screening.
· Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum (Whitefish Point, MI): An outdoor public remembrance ceremony will take place on Monday, November 10th, 2025 at 2:00 PM. The museum will be closed to the public for a private ceremony afterward.
