A new exhibit, “Stories from the Wreckage,” that features photographs of underwater shipwrecks, is now on display at the Wisconsin Historical Museum. Tonight we will be launching a book with the same name, “Stories from the Wreckage: A Great Lakes Maritime History Inspired by Shipwrecks” by author John Odin Jensen, professional historian and maritime archaeologist.

The event starts at 6:00 pm and I’ve included a media advisory below.

We hope you can make it out and thanks for your consideration.

Kara

Media Advisory

What: Book launch, “Stories from the Wreckage: A Great Lakes Maritime History Inspired by Shipwrecks” by author John Odin Jensen, professional historian and maritime archaeologist.

When: Tonight, May 1 from 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Where: Wisconsin Historical Museum on the Capitol Square, 30 N Carroll St, Madison, WI 53703

Why: Wisconsin is a maritime state, and over 700 hundred shipwrecks can be found at the bottom of Wisconsin lakes and rivers. For more than 30 years, the Wisconsin Historical Society’s underwater archaeology program has studied the vessels, cargoes, and related equipment that lie beneath state waters.

In “Stories from the Wreckage,” Jensen examines a selection of Great Lakes shipwrecks of the wooden age for a deeper dive into this transformative chapter of maritime history. He mines the archaeological evidence and historic record to show how their tragic ends fit in with the larger narrative of Midwestern history.

The book also features the underwater photography of Tamara Thomsen. This vibrant volume is a must-have for shipping enthusiasts as well as anyone interested in the power of water to shape history. 

Jensen has participated in the investigations of more than fifty marine archaeological sites around Wisconsin and has written extensively on the Midwest's maritime history and archaeology.

Other information: Also on display at the Wisconsin Historical Museum is the new photo exhibit that features photographs of underwater shipwrecks. Through striking underwater photography, guests will get a glimpse into the time capsules of our maritime past and discover the hidden resources that shape our views of maritime history.

There is also deep diving equipment on loan from Desco Corporation of Milwaukee. Accompanying the deep diving equipment is the story of the Lakeland and the investigation of theLakeland wreck by deep divers in 1925.

Interview Opportunities: Tamara Thomsen, underwater archeologist and Author John Odin Jensen