Split Rock Lighthouse.

Edmund Fitzgerald: A Great Lakes Memorial

For over 40 years on November 10, the beacon at Split Rock is lit to commemorate the sinking of the freighter SS Edmund Fitzgerald, and all the other vessels lost on the Great Lakes.

The ceremony consists of multiple speakers, the singing of the Navy Hymn, and the reading of the names of the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

The memorial beacon lighting will be live-streamed on this webpage, as well as the Minnesota Historical Society's YouTube page and Split Rock Lighthouse's Facebook page . You can also follow the MNHS and Split Rock Lighthouse on Instagram for more historic content.

Fitz Memorial event.

Live video of the 2025 Edmund Fitzgerald Beacon Lighting at Split Rock Lighthouse

Edmund Fitzgerald crew members

McSorley, Ernest M., Master
McCarthy, John H., 1st Mate
Pratt, James A., 2nd Mate
​Armagost, Michael E., 3rd Mate
​Holl, George J., Chief Engineer
​Bindon, Edward F., 1st Asst. Engineer
Edwards, Thomas E., 2nd Asst. Engineer
Haskell, Russell G., 2nd Asst. Engineer
​Champeau, Oliver J., 3rd Asst. Engineer
Beetcher, Frederick J., Porter
​Bentsen, Thomas, Oiler
​Borgeson, Thomas D., AB Maint. Man
Church, Nolan F., Porter
​Cundy, Ransom E., Watchman
Hudson, Bruce L., Deckhand

​Kalmon, Allen G., 2nd Cook
​MacLellan, Gordon F., Wiper
Mazes, Joseph W., Spec. Maint. Man
O'Brien, Eugene W., Wheelsman
​Peckol, Karl A., Watchman
​Poviach, John J., Wheelsman
​Rafferty, Robert C., Steward
​Riippa, Paul M., Deckhand
Simmons, John D., Wheelsman
​Spengler, William J., Watchman
Thomas, Mark A., Deckhand
Walton, Ralph G., Oiler
Weiss, David E., Cadet (Deck)
Wilhelm, Blaine H., Oiler