Like this image?
Explore our online collection of historic images available for reproduction.
Research Requests
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum welcomes scholars, boat builders and ship modelers, students, and the general public to access our significant collection of blueprints, drawings, photographs, and other reference materials
Home to over 85,000 historic artifacts, photographs, works of art, and documents, the Museum preserves the maritime history of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region from the initial settlement of American Indians to today. Through our collection, we document the lives and stories of all who called the Great Lakes home.
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum also acts as an official repository for retrieved submerged cultural resources like shipwreck artifacts.
Donations
The Museum collects historical items that tell the story of Wisconsin and Great Lakes maritime history.
Wisconsin-built Boat Collection
The Museum is home to over 50 Wisconsin-built boats including a Burger Boat sloop and Dunphy runabout.
Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company Collection
The Manitowoc Shipbuilding Collection is an extensive assemblage of archival materials, particularly original blueprints and photographs.
Carus Collection
Edward Carus, a captain on the Great Lakes for over 50 years, researched and recorded the maritime heritage of the areas where he sailed, particularly the western shore of Lake Michigan. He compiled numerous scrapbooks with thousands of newspaper clippings, photographs, and other ephemeral material.
Digital Collections
Search through thousands of online records or browse our extensive catalog of photographs and historic images.
Other Online Resources
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Check out these helpful sites for more information or contact our Collection’s Staff.
Scope of Collections
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum collects shipwreck artifacts, historic vessels, photographs, archival materials, blueprints, artwork, and material culture related to the maritime history of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region, including Wisconsin’s World War II submarines and personal effects related to maritime life and work.
Publications
Check out The Anchor, the Museum’s quarterly publication of Wisconsin’s Maritime History.
Adopt- an – Artifact
Time and the elements take their toll on artifacts. One of the most enduring ways you can support the Museum is through our Adopt-an-Artifact program. Help preserve our maritime heritage.