New state historical marker and History Makers Tour event remember the maritime tragedy and honor those who lost their lives
MADISON, Wis. – As the 50th anniversary of one of the most significant maritime tragedies in the Great Lakes approaches on Nov. 10, the Wisconsin Historical Society is collaborating with local communities to remember the tragedy and the 29 crew members who lost their lives in Lake Superior in 1975. To mark the solemn milestone, the Society is supporting commemorative efforts including a new state historical marker and a special History Makers Tour event. Wisconsin Historical Society Maritime Archaeologist Tamara Thomsen will also be featured in a new documentary about the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald premiering throughout Wisconsin on Nov. 10.
The Edmund Fitzgerald was one of the most iconic and largest freighters of its time to sail the Great Lakes, measuring 729 feet long with a 75-foot beam. It was designed to haul refined iron ore with its most common route between Silver Bay, Minnesota, and Toledo, Ohio, earning it the nickname “Toledo Express.”
Departing the day before from Superior, Wisconsin, the Fitzgerald encountered treacherous weather on Nov. 10, 1975, and sent a final distress message before sinking with all 29 crew aboard, just 15 miles northwest of Whitefish Point. Tragically, no survivors were ever found and the disaster became national news as families grieved their lost loved ones. The following year, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” ballad composed and performed by Gordon Lightfoot recounted the tragedy, topping musical charts and cementing the mysterious and sudden loss as one of the most well-known maritime disasters in North American history.
Saturday, Nov. 8, 4-5:30 p.m.: History Makers Tour Event: Edmund Fitzgerald 50th Anniversary
As part of its statewide History Makers Tour, the Wisconsin Historical Society is partnering with UW–Superior and the Douglas County Historical Society to host a special event on Nov. 8 commemorating the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. The afternoon program will take place from 4-5:30 p.m. and feature acclaimed shipwreck historian Ric Mixter, who will deliver an in-depth presentation on the many investigations into the wreck, enriched by exclusive footage, survivor interviews and insights from his personal dive to the site. A Q&A session will follow, along with a musical tribute by local artist Shane Nelson, including a performance of Gordon Lightfoot’s iconic ballad, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” The event offers a powerful reflection on the legacy of the ship and its crew through history, music and community remembrance. Click here for more information.
Sunday, Nov. 9, 2 p.m.: New State Historical Marker Dedication in Superior
A new Wisconsin state historical marker will be unveiled honoring the Edmund Fitzgerald in Superior at Barker’s Island on Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. This marker initiative, led by local group Friends of the Fitz, recognizes the ship’s lasting impact on Great Lakes history and the community’s deep connection to the tragedy. Erected through the Wisconsin Historical Society’s State Historical Markers Program—established by statute in 1943 and stewarding more than 600 markers across Wisconsin—the new addition helps preserve and share the story of the Fitzgerald for future generations.
Monday, Nov. 10: “50 Years Later: The Edmund Fitzgerald” Documentary Premiere
A new documentary premiering throughout Wisconsin on the evening of Nov. 10, “50 Years Later: The Edmund Fitzgerald,” will feature Wisconsin Historical Society Maritime Archaeologist Tamara Thomsen. The documentary reflects on the ship’s final voyage and the mysteries that followed. Thomsen brings her deep expertise in underwater archaeology to the film, contributing to a compelling narrative that bridges scientific investigation and human stories. Produced by Discover Mediaworks, it will air at 6:30 p.m. on WKOW (Madison), WFRV (Green Bay), WAOW (Wausau), WQOW (Eau Claire), WXOW (La Crosse) and WTMJ (Milwaukee). It will air on KBJR 6 (Superior/Duluth) at 7:30 p.m.
About the Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active, and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit www.wisconsinhistory.org.
