Split Rock Lighthouse to Honor Crew of Edmund Fitzgerald and Other Vessels Lost on Great Lakes

The North Shore tradition takes place on November 10 at Split Rock Lighthouse

For immediate release

Dated: October 13, 2026

Contacts: Nick Jungheim, 651-259-3060, nick.jungheim@mnhs.org or Allison Ortiz, 651-259-3051, allison.ortiz@mnhs.org

Location: Split Rock Lighthouse

TWO HARBORS, Minn. (October 13, 2026) – As the gales of November approach, Split Rock Lighthouse invites the public to attend Edmund Fitzgerald: A Great Lakes Memorial. This reverent annual tradition honors the lives of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald crewmembers and all others lost on the Great Lakes.

On November 10 at 4:15 pm, the lighthouse will temporarily close for a rendition of the naval hymn, followed by the names of the 29 crew members read aloud to the tolling of a ship’s bell. After the ceremony, the beacon will be lit in their honor, and the lighthouse tower will reopen to visitors until 6 pm. The event will also be streamed on Split Rock Lighthouse’s Facebook Page, and the Minnesota Historical Society’s YouTube channel.

Large crowds are expected, so those who plan on attending in person are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. MNHS members save 20%.

Tickets include all-day admission to Split Rock Lighthouse. The site will open at 10 am on November 10, with the lighthouse, fog signal building, and visitor center open for visitors. Throughout the day, staff will provide information about the historic site and Great Lakes shipwrecks to guests. Visitors can also watch a film about the Edmund Fitzgerald in the visitor center or join a guided tour exploring the history of the Fitzgerald's final voyage.

Media who plan on attending the ceremony, please RSVP by emailing Nick Jungheim no later than October 31.

About the Minnesota Historical Society
The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs, and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories, and connects people with history.