The Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven has been marking its 50th anniversary this year, and a lecture this week will explore all that the museum has been in that time.

Museum Education Director Ashley Deming tells us “Michigan Maritime Museum: 50 Years of Legacy” is set for this Wednesday, October 16 at 6:30 right at the museum. She’ll give the presentation.

“It really is a story of legacy and all of the people who have contributed and supported to really make that happen,” Deming said. “So, I’ll be talking about the humble beginnings of the museum and the periods of growth and some of the trials and challenges, tribulations the museum has faced over time and then kind of finishing it with where we are now and where we may be able to go in the future.”

Deming says the Michigan Maritime Museum was the dream of Rowland Sylvester, who started the institution in 1974. It was originally housed in a houseboat. Since then, the Michigan Maritime Museum has grown considerably as Deming says the community has really believed in its mission.

Deming’s lecture will be free to museum members and $10 for non-members. It comes as part of the current ongoing lecture series that will continue in November with a presentation on the wreck of the Lady Elgin.