Embedded Files
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: West Michigan Aviation Academy Flight Training Center
4151 Aviator Way, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Valerie van Heest
Presentation Topic:
Presentation Topic:
CAUGHT IN THE VORTEX THE ARMISTICE DAY STORM OF 1940
Synopsis:
Author and underwater explorer Valerie van Heest commemorates the tragic Armistice Day Blizzard of 1940 in which five ships and 64 sailors were lost. She examines the wrecks of the Novadoc and Anna C. Minch, and presents the only footage ever captured of the William B. Davock, all lost off West Michigan. She provides insight into what caused these massive freighters to sink when others survived the storm and helps the sons of two Davock victims say final goodbyes to their fathers.
Speaker Bio:
Valerie is an underwater explorer, museum exhibit designer and author of seven books. She has spearheaded the discovery of 20 shipwrecks off West Michigan and surveyed over 50 shipwrecks. Her work has earned her a spot in the Women Divers Hall of Fame, appearances on episodes of numerous television series, and coverage in a variety of news feature stories. She is the recipient of a Michigan State History award for her efforts to preserve the states’ maritime history and recently received an award from the Association for Great Lakes Maritime History recognizing her decades of Historical Interpretation work.
Meeting Minutes
Submitted by Chapter Secretary Matt Kirkwood
6:37 p.m. meeting began with the treasury report from Bill Marino.
Checking: $62.01
Savings: $376.11
6:40 p.m. Valerie Van Heest begins her talk about the historic November 7-10, 1913 storm the "White Hurricane". She highlighted the ships that were sunk or in peril along with the valiant rescue missions that unfolded.
Interesting note that there hasn't been a large, commercial vessel that has sunk in the Great Lakes since the Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975.
Valerie wraps up her presentation at 7:18 p.m.
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