It took mere seconds for the Edmund Fitzgerald to sink on Nov. 10, 1975. The ship and its doomed crew of 29 will be remembered during tribute activities in Toledo 50 years after the disaster.
The National Museum of the Great Lakes is coordinating public activities beginning Friday, Nov. 7 through Monday Nov. 10.
“Fifty years later, we are proud to bring together local organizations, performers, and the public to remember the ship, its crew, and their families,” said National Museum of the Great Lakes Executive Director Kate Fineske in a news release. “This weekend is both a commemoration and a chance to share the Fitzgerald’s enduring legacy with new generations.”
The ship had close ties to Northwest Ohio with its captain and some mates from the Toledo area. The huge freighter made countless trips across the Great Lakes to and from Toledo until a fierce storm with gale-force winds and waves led to her sudden sinking on Lake Superior.
Here is a summary of memorial activities:
• Guided tours aboard the James Schoonmaker Museum Ship – all weekend at the National Museum of the Great Lakes
• Fitzgerald Beer Launch & Honorary Dinner – Friday November 8, 3-9 p.m. at Quenched & Tempered Brewery, 1210 Jackson Street, Toledo
• Meredith Moon Live Concert – Sunday, Nov. 9, 7 p.m. at The Valentine Theater
• A Good Ship and Crew Well Seasoned: The Fitzgerald and Her Legacy documentary presented hourly – Monday, Nov. 10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Guest Panel and Anniversary Ceremony – an evening of reflection with former Fitzgerald crew member Tom Walton, author and Fitzgerald authority Ric Mixter and 13abc journalist Lissa Guyton – Monday, Nov. 10, 6 p.m. at the National Museum of the Great Lakes
In addition to the ceremonies, the Great Lakes Museum displays exhibits related to the Fitzgerald, including one of its life rafts recovered from the wreck.
For further information about anniversary activities, please go to nmgl.org/fitzgerald50.
