Past Exhibits

Washington Island “Over and Back”:

80 Years Building a Modern Ferry System

Experience the maritime tradition and hardworking people behind the scenes that safely navigate passengers across Death’s Door to Washington Island over the last century. In this visually stunning exhibit, photographer Jim Legault, documents the building of a modern ferry system and the construction of the newest ice breaking ferry Madonna.  Since 1940, transportation to Washington Island has evolved from two small wooden vessels limited to winter crossings only in light ice conditions. Today, the Washington Island ice breaking ferries are seldom prevented from crossing “over and back” to mainland Wisconsin. Historic photography along with two video presentations transport the viewer into the shipyards and ferry docks of Door County.

The Tiny Art Show 

Just in time for the Holidays, the Lakeshore Artists Guild in partnership with the Wisconsin Maritime Museum presents the Tiny Art Show!  Each work of art cannot exceed 6 inches in size, and features a variety of media, styles, and concepts.

Powerboat Pioneers

Judy is a fully restored sixteen-foot-long dory launch built in Racine, WI by the Pierce Engine Company around 1906. This inboard “vapor” gasoline-powered vessel is one of the earliest inboard motorboats built in Wisconsin. The exhibit features the fully restored boat, interpretive panels, and a slideshow of images showing the restoration process. 

Ebb & Flow

Fluid lines and contoured brush strokes come together in the Wisconsin Maritime Museum’s latest exhibition, Ebb & Flow.  This collaborative exhibit is a reflection of the life aquatic and features 23 artists from the Lakeshore Artists Guild and the Green Bay Art Colony. Contemporary works include paintings, mixed media, ceramic sculpture, and more.