There have been many memorials in the past commemorating the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.  A few are briefly described, below.

Play- Ten November

by Steven Dietz

     This play, originally a musical, is a wonderful ninety minute reenactment of then ship's sailing until the sinking and after, going back and forth from what seems to be flashbacks.  Nine men play forty-four roles in this wonderful commemoration, written by Steven Dietz.  The webmaster and his family have seen this play in a local theater, and were guests backstage.  They loved the play and recommend it to all Edmund Fitzgerald enthusiasts.

Play- Holdin' Our Own

by Shelley Russell

     A new play in the growing collection of theatrical memorials to the Edmund Fitzgerald, the play Holdin' Our Own was written by Shelley Russell, who teaches at Northern Michigan University.  The play included twenty-nine actors to play the roles of the twenty-nine original crewmen and the play favors no specific theory to the sinking of the ship, it ends in such a way that you have a chance to make up your own ending as to why the ship sank.  To read an interview with one of the actors, Daniel "Rusty" Bowers, and the director, Shelley Russell, visit our interviews page by clicking here.

Bell Ringing Ceremonies

Mariners' Church and Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum

     Every year, these to places hold ceremonies for family and friends of the lost crewmen of the Edmund Fitzgerald.  At the end of each service, families and/or friends ring the bell at the front of the room when the name of their loved one is called.  Both services are very moving, and a 30th ring is always tolled for all sailors lost in the six thousand shipwrecks of the Great Lakes.

     To learn more about the Mariners' Church, click here.  To learn more about the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, click here.

Song- The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald 

by Gordon Lightfoot

     The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, written by Gordon Lightfoot and inspired by the shipwreck was released in 1976, just months after the shipwreck itself.  It became a top-ten hit immediately, and was very popular all over, though many people didn't even realize it was based on truth at first.  Once people started researching it, more and more people became aware of the actual sunken Edmund Fitzgerald, and more and more people are learning of it everyday.  Many believe that The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, (the song) is the reason that so many people know of the shipwreck itself.  Click here to get lyrics, and learn a little about Gordon Lightfoot.

Books

by Various Authors

     The various books on the market based on the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald are among the most popular among the "memorials" and "commemorations" of the sinking; they are the most informative, and they are the ones that most ordinary people can get their hands on.  There are many books on the market, but to hear about just a few of them, click here.  To read an interview with Frederick Stonehouse, the author of The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, click here.