In the evening of November 10, 1975 the 729 foot ore freighter SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior with the loss of her entire 29 man crew. The story of the ship and its crew is still well known to those living in Michigan, thanks in large part to the efforts of author and maritime historian Fred Stonehouse. Fred's book "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" is regarded to be "the" source of information on the topic.

In conjunction with next year's 50th anniversary of this tragic event, the Library Cooperatives of Michigan and The Library Network are pleased to announce that they are sponsoring two hosted programs for libraries and the public, with author and historian Fred Stonehouse: "The legend lives on - the wreck of the EDMUND FITZGERALD."

• The first program will be virtual, and statewide. It will take place on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
• The second, an in-person program, will be held at Michigan Technological University on Saturday, November 15, 2025, focusing on the Edmund Fitzgerald and maritime history of the Upper Great Lakes.

Please mark your calendars. We will share additional information and promotional materials concerning the three programs as soon as the final details are available. Public registration will open later next year for all events. There will be no access fee for any of these events but space will be limited for the in-person activities.

We would like to thank Jim Flury, Technical Services Manager, The Library Network and Dillon Geshel, Director, Superiorland Library Cooperative for their work to coordinate this series of three Fred Stonehouse hosted library programs to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald on November 10, 1975. 

Event Calendar

[article updated 7/2025]

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