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Join award-winning author, maritime historian, and explorer Valerie van Heest for a riveting presentation on Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 6 to 7 p.m., discussing her acclaimed book, Fatal Crossings--a deeply human story, wrapped in one of America's most haunting aviation mysteries.On June 23, 1950, Northwest Airlines Flight 2501 vanished over Lake Michigan during a violent storm, taking 58 lives with it and becoming the nation’s worst commercial aviation disaster at the time. Despite a massive search by the Navy and Coast Guard, the wreckage was never found, and the cause of the crash remained a chilling mystery. Decades later, van Heest—alongside famed author Clive Cussler and the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association—picked up the trail. What followed was a decade-long search involving cutting-edge technology, underwater exploration, historical sleuthing, and personal journeys that revealed more than just wreckage.
Through dramatic storytelling, archival imagery, and poignant interviews, van Heest will take the audience from the stormy skies of 1950 to the modern-day effort to uncover the truth. Fatal Crossings is more than a tale of disaster—it's a journey through time, grief, and determination that brings dignity to the victims and closure to their families.
Don’t miss this powerful event that blends history, mystery, and the enduring human quest for answers. The event is FREE and no registration is required. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
117 Williams St, Howard City, MI, United States, Michigan 49329
