SOUTHFIELD, Mich.—Lawrence Technological University media communications students did such a great job during the past semester that the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven, Mich., is inviting them back for a summer gig.
Bringing The Great Lakes to The Classroom
Kevin Walsh is assistant professor of practice and media communication program director. His longtime friend and fellow Detroit booster, Bailey Sisoy-Moore, is executive director of the Michigan Maritime Museum. Education and awareness-building are major parts of the museum’s mission to celebrate, preserve, promote, and steward the heritage and culture of Michigan’s Great Lakes and waterways.
She contacted Walsh to record some of her experts’ talks for K-6 students to experience the museum and learn the facts and lore of one of Michigan’s greatest resources. Much like TED Talks but in an online format, schoolchildren can learn about what Walsh calls “the best-kept secret.” Founded in 1974 by Rowland Sylvester in South Haven, “this gem of a museum is beloved and well supported by its strong community,” he said.
The Next Phase
This upcoming phase of the Ruth Wiser Innovation Portal project, which takes place on June 19 and 20, will focus on filming aboard the Michigan Maritime Museum’s on-water fleet to capture authentic footage of the vessels, crews, and life on the water. That material will then be combined with the larger November 2026 studio and classroom-focused shoot to create educational classroom content for the Ruth Wiser Innovation Portal.
Walsh said, “For this June portion, the MMM would specifically like to focus on simple machines aboard historic and working vessels, things like pulleys, levers, cranks, block and tackle systems, steering mechanisms, and other hands-on examples students can connect to real-world science and engineering concepts. By filming these systems in action aboard the boats, students will be able to see how physics and engineering principles have shaped maritime work for generations.”
LTU’s media communications students Riley Monk (junior), Kayla Zymontowicz (senior), and Zach Kaechle (senior) will interview and do camerawork aboard ship. Then young students visiting the Museum will participate in the launch of the portal with the plastic bottle boat regatta races while the LTU media communication team films the races on June 20.
Purpose of The Project
The Ruth Wiser Innovation Portal is a free digital education initiative developed by the Michigan Maritime Museum to expand access to Great Lakes history, maritime heritage, ecology, and STEM-based learning. The portal combines professionally produced short films, educator guides, classroom activities, and interactive learning resources designed for students, teachers, and lifelong learners. The goal is to make Great Lakes education accessible far beyond our campus while inspiring curiosity through real stories, real people, and real working vessels.
Sisoy-Moore said, “We are incredibly excited to continue building the Ruth Wiser Innovation Portal by bringing students directly aboard these historic vessels. Seeing simple machines and maritime technology in action helps connect classroom learning to the real world in a way that is memorable, engaging, and deeply rooted in Great Lakes heritage.
“The Ruth Wiser Innovation Portal is made possible through the generous support of Ron and Ruth Wiser. Their deep commitment to education, expanding access to learning opportunities, and enduring love for the Michigan Maritime Museum have helped bring this resource to life for students, educators, and lifelong learners.”
‘Theory and Practice’
This invaluable hands-on experience for Media Communications students is in keeping with LTU’s motto “Theory and Practice.” Walsh said, “Real-world experience helps students hone their skills in all aspects of media communications and prepares them for exciting and demanding careers in increasingly technological media communications fields.
“LTU is excited and grateful to again partner with the Michigan Maritime Museum for this next phase of the project. Soon after the June project, we will also settle on November dates for the fall semester shoot in South Haven.”
About Lawrence Technological University
Lawrence Technological University is one of only 13 private, technological, comprehensive doctoral universities in the United States. Located in Southfield, Mich., LTU was founded in 1932, and offers more than 100 programs through its Colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Engineering, and Health Sciences. Forbes and The Wall Street Journal rank LTU among the nation’s top 10 percent. U.S. News and World Report lists it in the top tier of best in the Midwest colleges. Students benefit from small class sizes and a real-world, hands-on, “Theory and Practice” education with an emphasis on leadership. Activities on Lawrence Tech’s 107-acre campus include more than 60 student organizations and NAIA varsity sports.