The Pointe aux Barques Maritime Museum is hosting its 22nd annual Heritage Festival on Saturday, August 1. Lighthouse Park is home to one of the oldest lighthouses in Michigan—built in 1857—and one of the first U.S. Life-Saving Service station houses on the Great Lakes—built in 1876. The Heritage Festival will feature tower climbs, museum and life-saving station tours, raffles, music, food and vendors.

This year, PAB will commemorate 60 years since the sinking of the Daniel J. Morrell freighter off the Thumb of Michigan on November 29, 1966. David Trotter, noted discoverer of over 100 shipwrecks, will give a presentation about the sinking of the Morrell, including dive footage. Individuals associated with the rescue and care of the lone survivor, Dennis Hale, will be in attendance to relate their experiences.

PAB will also be celebrating the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the U.S. Life-Saving Service on the Great Lakes. The Life-Saving Service was the precursor to today’s U.S. Coast Guard. Robert McGreevy, renowned maritime artist and historian, will give a talk about the Life-Saving Service in the Thumb of Michigan, including two incredible rescue attempts by the PAB and Harbor Beach stations. The festival is free to the public and will run from 10:00-4:30.