2024 Fall Lecture Series: Rouse Simmons — The Christmas Tree Ship
Join us for the first presentation of our 2024 Fall Lecture Series presented by Larry & Karen Bettcher. Offered as a hybrid event, participants can choose when registering to take part in-person at the National Museum of the Great Lakes or online via Zoom.
We welcome marine archaeologist Tamara Thomsen to present on “Rouse Simmons: The Christmas Tree Ship” on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 7 pm to 8:30 pm.
Thomsen will recount the tale of the Rouse Simmons, which set sail on November 22, 1912, from Thompson, Michigan, loaded with Christmas trees destined for Chicago but tragically never reached its destination. The ship’s disappearance remained a mystery until its discovery in 1971, submerged in 170 feet of water.
In this lecture, you’ll explore the findings from the Wisconsin Historical Society’s archaeological survey of the wreck site, which led to its nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Thomsen will share insights from the dive team’s investigations and historical research, shedding light on what might have occurred on that fateful day. This lecture promises to be an engaging journey into a legendary chapter of Great Lakes history.
This lecture is free, but registration is required. Donations are always happily accepted.
About the Speaker: Tamara Thomsen
Tamara Thomsen is a Maritime Archaeologist with Wisconsin Historical Society’s Maritime Preservation and Archaeology program. Her research has resulted in the nomination of seventy-seven submerged sites to the National Register of Historic Places. She has received awards from the Association for Great Lakes Maritime History, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society, and in 2014, she was inducted into the Women Diver’s Hall of Fame. Tamara is an active cave, rebreather, and technical diving instructor with Diversions Scuba in Madison, Wisconsin, and has worked as a photographer, researcher, and research diver on projects including the USS Monitor with NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries, and RMS Titanic with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
Event Links
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2728012-0
