EVENTS
Third Friday Presents: First Sailing Vessels on the Great Lakes with Rich Gross
January 20th, 7:00pm
January 20th, 7:00pm

The Chicago Maritime Museum invites you to an in depth presentation on the four sailing vessels that came before the storied Le Griffon. Maritime historian Richard Gross, will identify and describe the first five decked sailing vessels that the French constructed on the Great Lakes as well as the changing purpose of these vessels throughout their short life span from 1673 and 1689.
Gross has been actively involved in researching the history of the explorer Cavelier de La Salle since he was selected to be a member of La Salle Expedition II in 1975. From August 11, 1976 to April 9, 1977 he and 22 other participants, authentically retraced La Salle’s expedition of exploration from Montreal Canada to the mouth of the Mississippi River in celebration of the US Bicentennial. Using period documents, he has spent many years unraveling the myths and confusion surrounding all aspects of La Salle’s activities in the Midwest. Richard has a BA in Biological Sciences from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and a Master Degree in Education with an emphasis in Biology from Roosevelt University, Chicago. He taught high school Biology and Chemistry for 20 years.
In conjunction with the Bridgeport Art Center's Third Friday Open House, the Chicago Maritime Museum opens its doors for lively presentations on maritime history and current events each month. Join us for January's lecture either in-person or on Zoom. Come early and explore the Bridgeport Art Center's many art galleries.
The presentation is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. However, you might just consider joining the CMM for an annual membership of just $35, which provides unlimited visits, access to our monthly newsletter and special events such as the Third Friday maritime lecture series. Join us at chicagomaritimemuseum.org or call us (773) 376-1982. We are located on the lower level of the Bridgeport Art Center at 1200 W 35th Street. Parking is free in the north lot.
If you are unable to join us in person, register for the Zoom presentation by clicking here.
Gross has been actively involved in researching the history of the explorer Cavelier de La Salle since he was selected to be a member of La Salle Expedition II in 1975. From August 11, 1976 to April 9, 1977 he and 22 other participants, authentically retraced La Salle’s expedition of exploration from Montreal Canada to the mouth of the Mississippi River in celebration of the US Bicentennial. Using period documents, he has spent many years unraveling the myths and confusion surrounding all aspects of La Salle’s activities in the Midwest. Richard has a BA in Biological Sciences from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and a Master Degree in Education with an emphasis in Biology from Roosevelt University, Chicago. He taught high school Biology and Chemistry for 20 years.
In conjunction with the Bridgeport Art Center's Third Friday Open House, the Chicago Maritime Museum opens its doors for lively presentations on maritime history and current events each month. Join us for January's lecture either in-person or on Zoom. Come early and explore the Bridgeport Art Center's many art galleries.
The presentation is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. However, you might just consider joining the CMM for an annual membership of just $35, which provides unlimited visits, access to our monthly newsletter and special events such as the Third Friday maritime lecture series. Join us at chicagomaritimemuseum.org or call us (773) 376-1982. We are located on the lower level of the Bridgeport Art Center at 1200 W 35th Street. Parking is free in the north lot.
If you are unable to join us in person, register for the Zoom presentation by clicking here.