In collaboration with Maritime Historian William Lafferty, Valerie can offer full-service conception, research, design and fabrication of maritime-themed exhibits.
SHIPWRECKS -
A DEEP LOOK AT THE ORIGINS OF THE SELF-UNLOADERS
The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center - August 2008 - August 2010
In partnership with historian William Lafferty and the staff at the Heritage Museum, this exhibit is currently in design/construction phase.
LOST & FOUND -
SHIPWRECKS OF WEST MICHIGAN
Zeeland Historical Society - May- Dec 2008
Wriitten
and designed in collaboration with award-winning, maritime historian
William Lafferty this exhibit highlights the shipwrecks of
west Michigan
Of the estimated 2,000 to 3,000 ships gone missing on Lake Michigan, dozens of shipwrecks lie scattered off the shores of Western Michigan, recalling the roots of these lakeshore communities that developed largely because of their proximity to the water-based transportation system.
Decades later, these submerged ships have become cultural and historical artifacts. Serendipitously, the waters off Western Michigan contain a wide variety of vessel types. If studied together, they offer a nearly complete representation of the evolution of marine transportation and travel on Lake Michigan. All are maintained in a nearly timeless state of preservation by the fresh waters.
Finding these shipwrecks is a challenge. Recent expeditions by Michigan Shipwrecks Research Associates have uncovered many lost vessels. Study and documentation of these shipwrecks has broadened the rich cultural fabric of our communities, so steeped in maritime history.
Reef your sails, stoke your fires, gas up your engine and don your scuba gear to explore the lost and found shipwrecks of western Michigan.
SHIPWRECKS
Holland Museum - 2000
EXPLORING CHICAGO'S SHIPWRECKS
Chicago Maritime Museum - 1989-1990
EXPLORING CHICAGO"S SHIPWRECKS
Chicago Historical Society - 1993-1994
MICHIGAN SHIPWRECK RESEARCH ASSOCIATES
Trade Show Booth - 2005- Present
UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF CHICAGO
Trade Show Booth 1992-1995