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The Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes special exhibit will be open  from May 6 – August 22, 2025.

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IQhub Explores the Depths of History with “Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes” Exhibit This Summer

SAINT JOHNS, MI – The IQhub is thrilled to announce its captivating summer exhibit, Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes, open now through August 22nd, 2025. Presented by MSUFCU, this fascinating display will allow visitors to uncover incredible pieces of history from the depths of the Great Lakes. Follow the IQhub on Facebook or the website for information on special events that go along with this exhibit.

Delve into the stories of both famous and lesser-known shipwrecks through a collection of actual artifacts recovered from these underwater time capsules. From personal belongings of those who sailed the mighty lakes to remnants of the vessels themselves, these objects offer a tangible connection to the past and the often-perilous history of Great Lakes navigation. This year marks the 50^th anniversary of the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Visitors will gain insight into the vital role these ships played in the region’s development, particularly in agriculture and the transport of essential goods. The exhibit will highlight the importance of maritime transport and the challenges faced by those who navigated these sometimes-treacherous waters.

Exhibit Highlights:

• Authentic Artifacts: Witness a diverse array of items salvaged from Great Lakes shipwrecks, providing a unique glimpse into life on board and the circumstances of their sinking.
• Compelling Stories: Learn the human stories behind the wrecks, the triumphs, and the tragedies that unfolded on the Great Lakes.
• Agricultural Connection: Discover the crucial link between Great Lakes shipping and the growth of agriculture in the region.
• Tangible History: Experience a direct connection to the past through authentic objects that have been preserved beneath the lake’s surface.

The Great Lakes, a vital transportation route for centuries, have witnessed countless shipwrecks due to various factors. Severe Weather – Sudden and violent storms with high winds and large waves are common on the Great Lakes, posing significant risks to vessels. November is particularly known as a “month of storms.” Navigational Hazards – The lakes contain hidden reefs, rocky shoals, and areas of limited visibility due to fog or snow, leading to groundings and collisions. The “Shipwreck Coast” along Lake Superior is a particularly treacherous stretch. Structural Issues – Some older vessels, especially those built with early steel technologies, were susceptible to structural fatigue and fracture in heavy seas. Human Error – Mistakes in navigation or handling vessels have also contributed to maritime disasters.

It is estimated that there are thousands of shipwrecks scattered across the Great Lakes, with many still undiscovered. Lake Superior alone is believed to hold over 6,000 wrecks, of which over 350 have been located. These wrecks serve as poignant reminders of the power of nature and the challenges faced by those who relied on the lakes for their livelihoods and transportation. Organizations like the Great Lakes Shipwreck H

istorical Society work to preserve the history of these wrecks and the stories of those involved.

The Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes special exhibit contains items on Loan from: Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary/NOAA; The Port Huron Museum; Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum/Whitefish Point; Capital City Scuba; Chicago Maritime Museum; State of Michigan; Detroit Historical Museum; Bob Richards; Dave Thompson, Underwater Archaeologist and Karl Mayry, Through the Learning Glass/Cranbrook Institute.

The Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes exhibit is included with the free admission to the IQhub. The IQhub is open to the public Tuesday through Friday, from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm., and is located at 1130 S. Dewitt Rd., St Johns, Michigan. This

exhibit offers a unique opportunity to explore a significant aspect of the Great Lakes’ rich maritime heritage. Don’t miss this chance to explore the fascinating world of Great Lakes shipwrecks at the IQhub this summer! For more information, please contact the IQhub at (989) 227-3847 or via email at IQ.hub@agroliquid.com.

The IQhub is pleased to host the 8th Michigan FFA CDE (Career Development Event) Boot Camp to be held in March 17-21, 2025. The IQhub hosted nearly 400 FFA students and adult leaders in 2024 and with more session offerings this year, we are sure to break a record!

The IQhub is looking for sponsors to invest in the FFA CDE Boot Camp to:

1) Keep the admission cost minimal for the FFA students and adults

2) Promote your company and show support for FFA in Michigan

Every participant will receive a cool FFA CDE Boot Camp t-shirt that will include Sponsor logos on the back. We know these high-schoolers love to wear their FFA gear loud and proud, so won’t you join in and sponsor their shirts? Cost: $150.00 — DEADLINE: February 14, 2025

ScrapFest Night: Join Us for a Documentary Screening and Meet the Artists!

St. Johns, Michigan – On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, prepare to be inspired! The IQhub is excited to welcome the community to a special event: “ScrapFest Night.” Join us for a screening of the fascinating ScrapFest Documentary 2, which will be shown at 6:00 PM and again at 7:00 PM. ScrapFest Documentary 2 highlights the remarkable artistry and creativity of artists who turn discarded metal into breathtaking artworks. Attendees can enjoy kettle corn and hot chocolate while watching the film.

After the screening, take a stroll around the IQhub to meet some of the ScrapFest artists and learn more about their art. You’ll even have the chance to purchase some of their creations. For those feeling artistic, we’ll have art activities available as well. Create your own ScrapFest-style art using everyday recycled materials, buy a 4 x 4 canvas to paint your design, or grab a coloring page to complete here or take home. Additionally, don’t miss the chance to explore the stunning art featured in IQhub’s Art Explosion 5.0.

This special event will take place on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the IQhub, located at 3055 W. M-21, St. Johns, Michigan. Admission is free and open to the public.

Event Highlights:

• Screening of the “ScrapFest” Documentary 2: Follow Andrew Sandstedt, one of ScrapFest’s artists, as he navigates personal challenges that have shaped his art, particularly his ScrapFest pieces. This documentary captures his journey as he constructs his sculpture for ScrapFest 14.
• Meet the Artists: Participate in a Q&A session with ScrapFest artists. Discover their creative processes, sources of inspiration, and the challenges they encounter, with the option to purchase their artwork.
• Light Refreshments: Purchase local kettlecorn and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate while watching the documentary.
• Activities: Create a ScrapFest-style art project using everyday items. Purchase a 4 x 4 canvas to paint your masterpiece, color a picture, or take a coloring sheet home.

This event offers a unique opportunity to learn about ScrapFest, the artists involved, the power of creativity, and the significance of sustainability. Held in mid-July in Old Town Lansing, ScrapFest began as a scrap metal artwork competition, and has evolved into a full art festival that focuses on up-cycled and repurposed artwork. Now, along with the scrap metal sculpture competition, ScrapFest also has eco-art booth artisans, family activities, live music, food, The Great Scrap Run 5k run/walk (with family fun run), and a Refashion Show!

We encourage you to spread the word and join us for this inspiring evening. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/iqhub or on our website: https://www.iqhubag.org/.

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The IQhub is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is to be a free educational center for agricultural history, innovation and exploration.