The Great Lakes’ tradition of commercial shipping greatly influenced the growth of the surrounding communities. Transporting products from the growing industries of the time, grand ships held an important place in the maritime history of the region. Sadly, this history has a darker side rich with secrets. Many factors, both natural and man-made, resulted in tens of thousands of shipwrecks leaving behind fascinating artifacts and gripping stories of tragedy.Shipwrecks, Storms and Stories is an interactive exhibit allowing visitors to explore the secrets of the “inland seas.” Violent storms, such as the “White Hurricane” of 1913, were often a problem resulting in the loss of profit and life. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the terrifying storm that caused the sinking of approximately twenty ships and the loss of 250 souls. The exhibit discusses weather and geography as causes of shipwrecks through the use of artifacts and accounts from survivors and family members of the deceased.Human error also played a part in many disasters. Bad decisions and design caused the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald in a devastating gale. Leaking hatches caused the ship to take on water early in the night of November 10, 1975. A higher than normal wintertime load line caused the ship to sit lower in the water than usual. Following a harrowing head-first plunge into icy water, the ship abruptly sank beneath the deadly waves.

More stories are to be found and secrets are to be revealed in this interactive, multi-sensory display at Grand Rapids Public Museum. The exhibit runs through November 2013 and is free with admission. Shipwrecks, Storms and Stories is just one example of the rich history that makes Grand Rapids a great place to call home.