Ashley Deming of the Michigan Maritime Museum will present this program. 

The triumph of steam technology during the Industrial Revolution spurred major advancements in economy, infrastructure, and travel. Steam fueled the industries. Steam drove the economy. Steam propelled railroad expansion westward. Most importantly, steam powered ships launched the Great Lakes region into a modern age. The economic boom from increased industry around the Great Lakes afforded people more time and income to spend. Tourism was born.

Imagine the hustle and bustle of historic port towns. Commerce mixed effortlessly with leisure along waterfronts. Steamship decks overflowed with travelers. Tourists from cities around the Great Lakes, experienced “the good life” aboard these floating palaces delivering them to destinations offering sandy beaches, dance halls, resorts, and the cool summer breezes city life could not provide. Nearly 20 million passengers each year enjoyed elegance and adventure aboard the opulent decks during this Golden Age of steamship travel.

The Michigan Maritime Museum, located in South Haven, MI, celebrates, preserves, promotes, and stewards the vibrant heritage and culture of Michigan’s Great Lakes and waterways, through education, exhibition, and immersive experience. From hands-on exhibits on an authentic waterfront campus to experiences aboard the on-water fleet, the Michigan Maritime Museum is one of the Great Lakes premiere destinations to experience freshwater maritime heritage.

Ashley Deming graduated from WMU with a BA in Anthropology in 2006. Following graduation, she worked as the Education and Outreach Specialist for Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Alpena, MI. In 2008, she graduated from the University of Bristol in England with an MA in Maritime Archaeology and History. Deming worked as an underwater archaeologist for the State of South Carolina for 5 years before taking the position of Director of Education & Programs at the Michigan Maritime Museum in 2015. She also serves on the City of South Haven Harbor Commission and sits on the regional Marine Tech Advisory Council.