To commemorate the sinking of the freighter Edmund Fitzgerald and the loss of her 29 crew members on Nov. 10, 1975, an annual event is scheduled for Nov. 10 at Split Rock Lighthouse. The event begins at noon and runs until 6 p.m.
The event can also be used as a time to reflect on the memory of all lives lost in Great Lakes shipwrecks. The lighthouse, fog signal building and visitor center will be open. Costumed guides will greet visitors and provide historic site and shipwreck information.
Throughout the day, visitors can watch two films, the 30-minute film, “The Edmund Fitzgerald Investigations,” and an hour-long film about Great Lakes shipwrecks. At 4:30 p.m., the lighthouse will close temporarily while the names of the crew members are read to the tolling of a ship’s bell and the playing of the Naval Hymn.
Following the ceremony, the beacon will be lit, and the tower will be opened again to tour. This is the only opportunity each year when visitors can climb the tower after dark and see the lit beacon.
Admission to the commemorative lighting event is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and college students, $6 for ages 6-17, and free for ages 5 and under and Minnesota Historical Society members.
Split Rock Lighthouse is located at 3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Road in Two Harbors. For more information, call 218-226-6372 or visit splitrock@mnhs.org.
