Port Huron, MI — The Port Huron Museum always makes the best of whatever surprises are thrown at it and managing a freak natural disaster is no exception. When a meteotsunami hit Lake Huron in July of 2020, the Huron Lightship sustained serious damage. The sudden and devastating erosion destroyed the mechanical systems and caused an unwelcome moat to appear.
Andrew Kercher, Manager of Community Engagement for Port Huron Museums, said that the City of Port Huron is helping the Museum with the restoration of the cathodic system that was exposed with the storm. The system is a series of cathodes that attract rust away from the ship, allowing it to remain intact while being buried partially underground for the past half-century.
If there was any silver lining to the unexpected excavation, it’s that the cathodic system, which needed eventual replacement anyway, was able to be accessed. Further work will be needed to shore up the erosion and stabilize the buried ship. Kercher said he is grateful for the partnership with the City of Port Huron.
The Huron Lightship, which celebrates its 100th birthday this year, is planned to be open for visitors after Memorial Day. Full schedules can be found at phmuseum.org.
Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland
