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Propeller Club Port of Chicago Special Edmund Fitzgerald Event
April 14 @ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Chicago Propeller Club to Host Bestselling Author John U. Bacon for Special Edmund Fitzgerald Event
The Chicago Propeller Club has announced its first event of 2026, featuring bestselling author John U. Bacon discussing his acclaimed book The Gales of November and the enduring story of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald.
The event will take place on April 14 at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Chicago’s West Loop and will include a live conversation between Bacon and Tom Wiater, President of Central Marine Logistics.
Bacon’s book is widely regarded as the definitive account of the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald, the 729-foot Great Lakes freighter that sank on Lake Superior in November 1975 with the loss of all 29 crew members. In researching the book, Bacon conducted more than 100 interviews with families, friends and former crewmates connected to the tragedy.
Ben Pinnington, President of the Chicago Propeller Club, said the event promises to be a memorable evening for the city’s maritime community.
“John has written the most powerful and human account of the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald, one of the most famous tragedies in Great Lakes shipping history. We are delighted to welcome him to Chicago for what promises to be a fascinating conversation about the research behind the book and the enduring legacy of the Mighty Fitz. It will be a wonderful evening for our maritime community.”
The evening will include complimentary food and drinks and offers maritime professionals a rare opportunity to hear directly from the author behind one of the most compelling books written about Great Lakes and US shipping.
Event details
Date: Thursday, April 14
Time: 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm CDT
Venue: Guinness Open Gate Brewery, 901 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL
Tickets:
$75 for Chicago Propeller Club members
$95 for non-members
