Gales of November 2026
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Join us for Gales of November, November 6 & 7, 2026 —LSMMA’s flagship fundraising event —dedicated to supporting the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, the historic South Pier Lighthouse and the Twin Ports maritime heritage. Experience a weekend filled with captivating presentations, hands-on learning, and opportunities to connect with fellow maritime enthusiasts.
The 39th Gales of November offers something for everyone: Friday’s venue will be at The Garden event center in Canal Park and then on Saturday we will move across Minnesota Slip to the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC). In addition to our normal offerings, which will include a silent auction fundraiser, archive display, and Cruise of a Lifetime raffle, we will also be able to tour the University of Minnesota Duluth’s research vessel Blue Heron on Friday afternoon. Your attendance helps preserve our maritime past and advance new initiatives that connect with Lake Superior’s maritime legacy. Your participation helps fund essential educational programs, historical preservation projects, and ongoing efforts to maintain our iconic waterfront landmarks.
Join us for a memorable conference—secure your spot at Gales of November and help keep Lake Superior’s maritime legacy alive! We are deeply grateful for your ongoing support of the Lake Superior Marine Museum Association (LSMMA) and our region’s rich maritime heritage. Join us, as the cool weather has, at this year's Gales of November!
AND...
Don’t forget to order your Cruise of a Lifetime raffle tickets! Mail-in order forms must be postmarked by October 23, though tickets will be available at Gales. Our sincere thanks to Great Lakes Fleet, Inc. for donating this Cruise of a Lifetime.
GALES TICKET PRICING
• Gales Two-Day Attendee | $150
• Friday Only Attendee | $50
• Saturday Only Attendee | $100
• Maritime Club Member, Friday lunch only | $40
Visit www.lsmma.com to register!
FRIDAY SPEAKERS
Sara Summers-Luedtke: shares museum updates and the completion of new landscaping at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center.
Fred Stonehouse: shares stories of the US Coast Guard’s Great Lakes life-saving service and notable rescues and saltwater battles.
UMD’s Blue Heron: crew discusses the ship’s research mission, followed by a dockside vessel tour at the DECC.
Patrick Kelly: provides updates on Fraser Shipyards’ current work and new shipbuilding initiatives in Superior, Wisconsin.
Dale Koziol: discusses the SS Meteor’s history and his volunteer work on this unique whaleback vessel in Superior, Wisconsin.
Tim Zager: presents Dining on the Lakes: Heritage Dinnerware from Great Lakes Fleets.
SATURDAY SPEAKERS
Kelsey Prihoda: shares an update on restoring the LSMMA’s south pier outer light station.
Tamara Thomsen: reviews recent Wisconsin shipwreck discoveries from NOAA’s Project 2030 lakebed mapping project.
Michelle Briggs: provides an update on the new lock project at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
Ken Merryman: shares the latest updates on 3D shipwreck mapping in the Great Lakes.
LeRoy Rubinas: shares highlights from his research on the history of the bulk carrier SS J.B. Ford.
Guy Meadows: discusses how Great Lakes and ocean wave differences affect vessel construction and design.
The 39th Gales of November offers something for everyone: Friday’s venue will be at The Garden event center in Canal Park and then on Saturday we will move across Minnesota Slip to the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC). In addition to our normal offerings, which will include a silent auction fundraiser, archive display, and Cruise of a Lifetime raffle, we will also be able to tour the University of Minnesota Duluth’s research vessel Blue Heron on Friday afternoon. Your attendance helps preserve our maritime past and advance new initiatives that connect with Lake Superior’s maritime legacy. Your participation helps fund essential educational programs, historical preservation projects, and ongoing efforts to maintain our iconic waterfront landmarks.
Join us for a memorable conference—secure your spot at Gales of November and help keep Lake Superior’s maritime legacy alive! We are deeply grateful for your ongoing support of the Lake Superior Marine Museum Association (LSMMA) and our region’s rich maritime heritage. Join us, as the cool weather has, at this year's Gales of November!
AND...
Don’t forget to order your Cruise of a Lifetime raffle tickets! Mail-in order forms must be postmarked by October 23, though tickets will be available at Gales. Our sincere thanks to Great Lakes Fleet, Inc. for donating this Cruise of a Lifetime.
GALES TICKET PRICING
• Gales Two-Day Attendee | $150
• Friday Only Attendee | $50
• Saturday Only Attendee | $100
• Maritime Club Member, Friday lunch only | $40
Visit www.lsmma.com to register!
FRIDAY SPEAKERS
Sara Summers-Luedtke: shares museum updates and the completion of new landscaping at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center.
Fred Stonehouse: shares stories of the US Coast Guard’s Great Lakes life-saving service and notable rescues and saltwater battles.
UMD’s Blue Heron: crew discusses the ship’s research mission, followed by a dockside vessel tour at the DECC.
Patrick Kelly: provides updates on Fraser Shipyards’ current work and new shipbuilding initiatives in Superior, Wisconsin.
Dale Koziol: discusses the SS Meteor’s history and his volunteer work on this unique whaleback vessel in Superior, Wisconsin.
Tim Zager: presents Dining on the Lakes: Heritage Dinnerware from Great Lakes Fleets.
SATURDAY SPEAKERS
Kelsey Prihoda: shares an update on restoring the LSMMA’s south pier outer light station.
Tamara Thomsen: reviews recent Wisconsin shipwreck discoveries from NOAA’s Project 2030 lakebed mapping project.
Michelle Briggs: provides an update on the new lock project at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
Ken Merryman: shares the latest updates on 3D shipwreck mapping in the Great Lakes.
LeRoy Rubinas: shares highlights from his research on the history of the bulk carrier SS J.B. Ford.
Guy Meadows: discusses how Great Lakes and ocean wave differences affect vessel construction and design.
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Where is it happening?
Downtown Duluth, Duluth, Minnesota, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherLake Superior Marine Museum Association
