The newly remodeled Resource Center at 310 South Racine has a great cross section of objects representing Chicago's early rise as a major port and center of commerce because of its rivers and lakes. It needs a full scale Maritime museum to house the rest of its collection which is located in two off site warehouses not open to the public!
This is the only institution in Chicago that I know of that tries to put together the important maritime history of Chicago and present it to the public in a comprehensive way. It is small but is growing and I hope for good things in the future.
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This is a small museum, but serves a big need-documenting Chicago's under appreciated maritime heritage. Without it's waterways, Chicago would not exist as we know it today. We have long needed a maritime museum, and now with the hard work of so many dedicated individuals, we have one. From the earliest voyageur days to more modern times, it covers the essentials. The museum serves as a great resource. Among other things, the museum has served as a meeting place for my organization, the Underwater Archaeological Society of Chicago. We appreciate that greatly. I certainly hope that more people come to see what the museum has to offer.
CMM is a great little gem of a museum. My favorite part is their evening programs with fascinating lectures and free food and drinks. It's very easy to get to and they also have free parking which is an awesome benefit in a city like Chicago.
A great museum with very interesting exhibits and remarkable collections telling the story of Chicago’s maritime history. The museum space is beautifully designed with great attention to detail. I visited the museum a couple of times and each time I enjoy learning new things about the big history of Chicago’s waterways. I highly recommend this museum; it is a hidden gem in our city that you do not want to miss.
This is a new museum that has made a dynamic contribution to the Chicago cultural scene. I have enjoyed their "Third Friday" programs which feature interesting presentations on aspects of Chicago and Great Lakes history. It is also a wonderful time to checkout their exhibits, have a free beer (!), and enjoy the happening scene at the Bridgeport Arts Center (which houses the museum).
This is one new museum that is worth a visit and a revisit.
First and Last Mac Races
I first met Don Glasell several years ago, when I joined the Chicago Maritime Museum, and became a relatively active volunteer worker. Don was then the Museum’s Office Manager, which included the duties of Volunteer Coordinator, so I worked directly for and with him. Over a years or two’s time a fairly strong friendship, strictly boss-with-employee (though we were both volunteers at the time), developed. I soon learned that Don was a nearly legendary participant in the Chicago to Mackinac race, with over fifty races to his credit. A sailboater myself, I rather envied his accomplishment. At the time I never dreamed I’d ever get the chance to sail in the fabled “Mac Race”, even once!
Through a series of unlikely events, I received a telephone call from Don last year (2016) inviting me to join him crewing the Mac Race, aboard Bill Derrah’s fine Swan 39, Loki. I was floored! BUT, as things were, the notice was too short and I couldn’t make it.
But the discussion continued, and a year later I sailed my first Mac Race, aboard Bill’s boat, with Don as my crew mate. The less said about the actual race the better – it was a grueling experience, including “challenging” weather, explosive gear failures, several sails ripped, and several crewmen really, seriously sick. There were nearly a hundred withdrawals! Towards the end, I learned that it was to be Don’s last Mac, his 55th! It was his last mac, and my first.
I’d like to think that I could somehow “continue the tradition”, but there will never be another Don Glasell. The CMM is very fortunate to have him, and I feel tremendously lucky to have known him, and sailed my first Mac Race with him.
John Morris,
Vice Commodore of NWSA, owner/skipper of sloop Enriqueta, CMM volunteer
This little gem of a museum is appreciated for it's attention to detail to an overlooked aspect of Chicago and American history. The Chicago Maritime Museum reveals the regional waterway's importance from it's infant trickle to current day expansion. One can experience the 'floating' building block of our city!
This museum keeps alive the all-but-forgotten greatness of maritime Chicago. Chicago is not on the sea, but is on Lake Michigan, one of the inland Great Lakes in North America. The Chicago River draining into the lake became a busy commercial harbor in the 1800's, but it was also the recipient of waste in sewers and the source of pollution flowing into the lake. Drainage has always been problematical in Chicago due to the flat topography and high lake level. Developing the river as a commercial harbor was concurrent with building canals and resolving drainage and sanitation problems. As a result, Chicago today is a healthy and vibrant city for all to enjoy and prosper. The museum is a great educational organization helping to keep alive the complicated, ever-changing, and surprising history of drainage and navigation in Chicago.
The Chicago Maritime Museum is a great place to learn a bit about Chicago maritime history. In fact, it is the ONLY place to learn about Chicago Maritime history! A museum like this one has been long over due and I am so glad that one has been established. The story of how Chicago was founded via waterways is such an interesting one and the curators are very knowledgeable about their Chicago history!
The space is small but holds much promise for the future as it continues to grow and becomes a central role of Chicago's community. My favorite aspect is that it is right on the banks of the legendary Bubbly Creek (and that they provide FREE parking)
If you haven't done so already, I recommend visiting the website, twitter, and facebook page!