Maritime Lecture Series

Le Griffon: Fact or Fiction

The Michigan Maritime Museum’s Maritime Lecture Series continues with author and shipwreck explorer Valerie van Heest on November 20 from 6:30–7:30 p.m. Director of education Ashley Deming comments, “Ms. van Heest is always a favorite presenter at the Museum. When the Gales of November arrive, her shipwreck presentations are a perfect fit.” Join van Heest on a journey of discovery as she prepares for an appearance on the long running television show Expedition Unknown to hunt for the legendary Griffon, one of the earliest vessels lost in the Great Lakes. In the process, she debunks all previous discovery claims, separates fact from fiction, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the television episode, and shares her insights for historical research.

An inductee in the Women Diver’s Hall of Fame, Valerie van Heest is an award-winning author and museum exhibit designer who has been honored by the Historical Society of Michigan and Association for Great Lakes Maritime History for her work in preserving and promoting Michigan’s submerged maritime history. She is a co-founder and president of the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association (MSRA) and has been involved in the discovery of over some twenty shipwrecks, many of which have been subjects in her books. Valerie writes for a variety of magazines, has appeared on CNN, the Discovery and Travel Channels, and National Geographic, and maintains a busy speaking schedule.

Admission is $8, $7 for seniors. There is no admission fee for Museum members. The Museum is open from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Wednesday–Saturday the month of November. Museum doors will re-open at 6 p.m. the evening of the lecture. For more information, contact the Museum at 269-637-8078 or visit michiganmaritimemuseum.org/events/.