John Odin Jensen

press release: Every shipwreck has a story that extends far beyond its tragic end. Retired marine archaeologist John Odin Jensen dives into those tales in the Wisconsin Historical Society Press's newest history, Stories from the Wreckage: A Great Lakes Maritime History Inspired by Shipwrecks.

Jensen mined the archaeological evidence and historic records from a selection of wooden-age shipwrecks to detail the factors that led to their tragic ends and to show how their stories fit into such larger Midwest narratives as the environment, immigration, and industry.

Featuring the underwater photography of Wisconsin Historical Society maritime archaeologist Tamara Thomsen, this vibrant volume details the broader stories of Great Lakes shipwrecks, such as the palace steamer Niagara, the Lumberman schooner  and the ill-fated canaller Kate Kelly.

Find "Stories from the Wreckage" at your favorite book retailer or online at www.wisconsinhistory.org/shop.  It's also available as an e-book through popular e-book vendors.

Professional historian and maritime archaeologist John Odin Jensen has participated in the investigations of more than fifty marine archaeological sites around Wisconsin and has written extensively on the Midwest's maritime history and archaeology.

Celebrate at a special launch event during the debut of Wisconsin Historical Museum's new Stories from the Wreckage Exhibit, opening May 1, 2019!

6 p.m., Wisconsin Historical Museum, 30 N Carroll St.