The C. Patrick Labadie Collection is a renowned archive of historical materials documenting the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Curated by C. Patrick Labadie, a respected maritime historian, this collection includes photographs, vessel registries, construction records, shipwreck data, and personal narratives, providing an invaluable resource for researchers and history enthusiasts.

Key Features:

• Focus: The collection specializes in the Great Lakes shipping industry, covering ship construction, trade, and shipwrecks from the early 19th century to the modern era.

• Content:

• Vessel details (e.g., dimensions, ownership, and service history).

• Newspaper clippings and archival reports.

• Documentation of shipwrecks, including data on losses like the Caroline.

• Availability: Housed in public institutions, including the NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and other maritime archives.

Importance to Maritime History:

The Labadie Collection has been instrumental in preserving the legacy of Great Lakes commerce and shipping. Its detailed records often provide the only surviving documentation of vessels and shipwrecks, such as the Hannah Counterand Caroline.