MHC Grants Program
A&H Touring Program Grants
Applications & Guidelines
Deadlines & Workshops
Grants Archive
Michigan People, Michigan Places
Publicity Requirements
Quick/Planning Grants
Quick/Planning Grant Application
Quick/Planning Grants On-line App.
Report Forms
Resources - Library of MI
Schedule of MHC Funded Grants
The Great Michigan Read Grants

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Summer 2008 - April 2010
The Rise of the Self-Unloaders and Working Waterfronts exhibits, Heritage Museum and Cultural Center, St. Joseph.

August 6, 2008
The Rise of the Self-Unloaders and Working Waterfronts. Public event, Heritage Museum and Cultural Center, St. Joseph.

Summer 2008
Flm documentary public presentation on the Hennepin’s discovery. TBA.

From the Hennepin to the Thousand Footers —The Rise of the Self-Unloader -- (2007)

Grant Awarded: November 2007

Type of Grant: Michigan People, Michigan Places ... Our Stories, Our Lives

Sponsors: Michigan Shipwreck Research Associates (MSRA)

Collaborators: The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center, Western Michigan University

Contact: Valerie van Heest, 616-566-6009, shipwrecked@chartermi.net

Award: $15,000

Website: www.michiganshipwrecks.org

An exhibit entitled “The Rise of the Self-Unloaders” addressing past and present commercial shipping technologies will be created with this funding. The exhibit will be one part of another exhibit entitled “Working Waterfronts” which examines the past, present, and future plans for the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor maritime landscape. Both exhibits will be on display for two years beginning April 2008. The Hennepin is a historically significant vessel representing the world’s first self-unloading vessel and the paradigm for the modern self-unloaders currently used by 80 percent of the shipping industry in Michigan. The Hennepin was lost in 203 feet of water off South Haven in August of 1929. Based on underwater research conducted of the Hennepin, this exhibit will interpret the origin and development of this first ever self unloader within the Great Lakes maritime landscape. It will also reflect on shipwrecks as a source of information on Michigan’s maritime culture. At one time, shipping of bulk goods on the Great Lakes rivaled that of waterborne trade on the eastern and western seaboard states combined. Great Lakes maritime trade had a significant impact on the industrialization of America. A 15-minute film documentary on the Hennepin’s discovery will be created for a public presentation in summer 2008. A a companion publication will also be included in the exhibit. MSRA is developing an online curriculum guide for teachers to fit with the exhibit and Michigan maritime history.