The St. Marys Challenger had a 107-year long career, most of it as a cement carrier. Built in 1906, she was converted to a barge in 2013. Here she’s shown in Milwaukee in 2008. MPL / WMHS Great Lakes Marine Collection

Benefits of membership

Anyone with an interest in marine history is welcome to join the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society.

Membership in the Society gives you opportunities to learn about Wisconsin’s and the Great Lakes’ marine history and socialize with history buffs, as well as do marine history research using the organization’s vast collection of historical records and photographs. You also have the opportunity to turn your research into articles for publication in the Societyʼs newsletter, Soundings.

As a member, you receive:

– A subscription to Soundings, the member-edited, quarterly publication on marine history.

– Invitations to events, programs and dinners, including a holiday program recalling the historic “Christmas Tree” ship and the annual meeting and Founders’ auction held at one of Milwaukee’s yacht clubs.

– An invitation to join members and their guests on a boat cruise on Lake Michigan, Milwaukeeʼs Harbor, or other Wisconsin waterways.

– Invitations to hear and meet engaging speakers on marine history, shipwrecks, diving, lighthouses, all manner of vessels and marine works. These are occasions to meet members and guests with business, commercial, military and government interests in marine affairs.

– Opportunities to do original research using source material in the Society’s extensive written and photographic collection of Great Lakes vessels.

– Opportunities to submit researched articles for publication in Soundings.

– An invitation to the Societyʼs annual luncheon for member volunteers and their guests who record and preserve research material or perform other services to the Society.

– Opportunities to be an officer of the Society and a member of its Board of Trustees, as well as to become a member of a committee that fits your talents and interests.

– Assistance with your research.  Fees apply for photocopying, scanning and complex research.

Membership Levels

Sailor                                              $50

Crew (family)                                 $75

Ensign                                             $100

Lieutenant                                      $250*

Captain                                           $500*

Admiral                                          $1,000*

*includes your choice of WMHS Ball Cap, Maritime Milwaukee Book, Schooner Days Book, WMHS Tote Bag or none. Please note your choice when joining.

All dues are used to fund the activities and publications of the Society.

Wisconsin Marine Historical Societyʼs Mission

The Society is a volunteer organization that operates solely and exclusively as a nonprofit agency and works jointly with the Milwaukee Public Library for scientific, literary and educational purposes. This includes recording and preserving documents, photographs, records and objects relating to all marine aspects of the history, geology, geography, environment, folklore, commerce, industry and recreational use of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Our special emphasis is Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, including the Upper Mississippi River System, as well as the lakes and rivers within Wisconsin used by all types of watercraft.

Anyone with an interest in marine history is welcome to join the Society. Members include sailors and former sailors, lighthouse enthusiasts, divers, historians, shipbuilders, active and retired Coast Guard and Naval personnel, shipping industry employees, port authority officials, and others who have an interest in marine history.