On this episode of Nemo Nation, hosts Dave Nemo and Jimmy Mac welcome Madeline Crispell, Curator of the Chicago Maritime Museum, for a fascinating deep dive into Chicago’s overlooked maritime past and its lasting impact on American transportation, commerce, and culture.

Madeline explains how Chicago became one of the busiest ports in the world during the 19th century, connecting the Great Lakes, Erie Canal, Mississippi River, and Gulf of Mexico into a continent-spanning trade network. The conversation explores how waterways shaped migration, music, industry, and even modern highways that still follow ancient travel routes.

The discussion also covers powerful and lesser-known stories from the museum’s exhibits, including the tragic Eastland Disaster, World War II aircraft carriers on Lake Michigan, historic shipwrecks, and Chicago’s role in shipbuilding and maritime innovation. Madeline walks listeners through what visitors can expect when they step into the museum—from hands-on artifacts and model ships to rotating exhibits, lectures, research resources, and community programs.

Whether you’re a truck driver, history buff, researcher, or lifelong learner, this episode highlights how transportation on water and land has always been deeply connected—and why Chicago’s maritime story still matters today.

Learn more about the Chicago Maritime Museum at

https://chicagomaritimemuseum.org