About this Exhibit

The Detroit Historical Society is home to one of the largest collections of Great Lakes ship models in the country. Most of the more than 150 models are five or six decades old, while at least one dates to 1854. The ship models represent over 300 years of North American fresh water maritime history. In many cases, the models themselves are historic; in other cases they represent significant examples of technological advances that powered social and economic aspects of the region’s history.

The Richard and Jane Manoogian Ship Model Showcase is a changing exhibition space. Once a year, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum curators change the ships on display in order to display this significant collection. Models currently on display are:

LANSDOWNE
Artist: ALLEN GROSS
Year: 2008-2024
Ship built: 1884

This rendition of the Lansdowne is the newest addition to the Dossin Great Lakes Museum’s fleet of ship models. Depicted as it appeared in 1905, Allen Gross’ model is an award-winner, including Best in Show from the National Model Railroad Association in 2024. 

The sidewheel rail and passenger ferry Lansdowne was designed by Frank E. Kirby and launched in 1884. It carried rail cars, including passenger cars, between Detroit and Windsor in a trip that lasted about 8 to 12 minutes. The Lansdowne was the last surviving commercial vessel of its kind, transiting the Detroit River until the mid-twentieth century. Commissioned by the Grand Trunk Railway, its name reflected the governor general of Canada at the time, Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice, 5th Marquess of Lansdowne. 

MICHIGAN
Artist: JORDAN F. OLMSTEAD
Year: c. 1997
Ship built: 1833

A 2022 acquisition, this model of the Michigan by Jordan F. Olmstead is rather different than the majority of the museum’s collection in that it is unpainted.  

The Michigan, built in 1833 by merchant Oliver Newberry, carried passengers between Detroit and Buffalo, New York for eight years. It was the first large steamship built in Detroit, and at its launch it was the largest steamer on the lakes. The scale passengers on this model represent those intrepid travelers making the journey to Detroit. 

In 2022, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum displayed over 150 Great Lakes model ships in Maritime Miniatures: The Art of the Ship Model. The admission fees and donations received during the exhibition's run went directly toward the restoration and upkeep of this extensive collection. 

The Mayflower and John G. Munson were the first models selected for restoration because of their significance to the collection. The Mayflower is the museum’s oldest model, and over time experienced some deterioration. The John G. Munson is one of the largest models in the collection, with a unique cutaway view to show its self-unloading holds. It suffered some damage in an accident many years ago. The restoration is now complete and on display! 

Conservator Clara Deck expertly matched paint colors, repaired cracks, replaced missing parts, and more, making these wonderful pieces of craftsmanship look good as new. Both models have received new enclosures to ensure they stay as safe and secure as possible for years to come. 

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