Learn about the sinking of the Henry Steinbrenner on May 11
ALPENA — Next up in the Sanctuary Lecture Series is The Ship That Time Forgot: The Sinking of the Henry Steinbrenner at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 11 at Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, 500 W. Fletcher St.
In May 1953, the freighter Henry Steinbrenner sank in a storm on Lake Superior, claiming the lives of 17 sailors. However, with exception of the initial newspaper headlines announcing the ship’s sinking, history has largely overlooked the ship’s tragic story. Join local historian Jeff Thomas as he sheds light on the Steinbrenner’s dramatic story and the daring rescue of the ship’s 16 surviving crew, remembering a veteran lake boat that has been forgotten by history.
As a local history teacher and part-time Great Lakes sailor, Thomas draws on both experiences to tell the story of Great Lakes shipwrecks. He finds the small details that bring the stories to life in a story-telling experience that puts the viewer “in the moment” of these dramatic tales.
- Courtesy Photos The Henry Steinbrenner is seen in the Soo Locks in this historical photo provided by Jeff Thomas.
- Courtesy Photo Alpena history teacher and part-time Great Lakes sailor Jeff Thomas.







