​The Chicago Maritime Museum is saddened to report the passing of our dedicated brand manager and graphic designer Lorraine Freeman.Her keen, artistic eye has enhanced CMM branding with everything from newsletter design to signage to advertising. More importantly, Lorraine was a loyal friend and enthusiastic mariner. She will be deeply missed by her CMM colleagues. Fair winds and following seas Lorraine.

CMM is pleased to announce the election of long-time museum board member and one of CMM’s original founders, Captain Dave Truitt, as the museum’s new chairman after the recent retirement of Doug Walker.

A Hyde Park native and highly regarded community philanthropist, Captain Dave is a former Flotilla Commander with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. During his lengthy career, Truitt has served on nautical organizations including as chairman of the USS Midway Memorial Committee for the Navy League and as founding chairman of the Chicago Marine Heritage Society. He also serves and supports the Great Lakes Naval Museum, the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, and the Christmas Tree Ship.

“As I take on this new role, I offer my sincere appreciation to Doug Walker, who’s leadership has brought us to where we are today,” says Truitt. “Doug has led us through multiple challenges including the recovery from the 2020 flooding, weathering of the pandemic closure, supporting us through our first major fundraising campaign, and the reopening of the museum. We appreciate his years of service and support of the CMM.”
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Also as part of the organizational change, Jerry Thomas, President Emeritus has been named CMM Vice-Chairman. In this role, he will continue to manage the operations side of the museum.

Kayak dock installation at Bridgeport Art Center. Paddle on over to the Chicago Maritime Museum this summer! Our summer hours go into effect on Sunday, July 4. We will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am until 4 pm. 

Summer hours will take effect beginning Sunday, July 4. We will be closed on July 4 for the holiday. The new CMM opening days are to be Tuesday through Saturday, 10am until 4pm. The museum will be closed Sundays and Mondays. Come on down and see our renovated museum and our new WPA mural, "History of Ships."

It was a big task to host our first ever virtual CMMFestival last fall due to the pandemic but, boy, we sure pulled it off. It was a very exciting evening and we were thrilled with the resounding enthusiam our guests showed during the fundraising event. 

Now as we begin to plan our 2021 CMMFestival, we would love for you all to relive the 2020 CMMFestival.

We can not wait for you to see what we have in store for this year's virtual festival. Stay tuned for more information.

Click the picture to read the full story in our May 2021 On the Move Newsletter and much more!