Valerie van Heest, an award-winning author, and member of the Women Divers Hall of Fame, takes audiences back in time to the golden age of passenger travel on the Great Lakes; to the eve of a presidential election; to the brink of civil war; to a stormy night when 400 excursionists faced a life or death struggle in the violent waters; and then to the bottom of Lake Michigan to explore the historic wreckage of the Lady Elgin.

Van Heest, of Holland, is an award-winning author of four books, a shipwreck hunter, diver and museum designer who has been honored for her work preserving Great Lakes maritime history. A passionate and engaging speaker, Van Heest shares the adventures of her expeditions using dramatic historic and underwater images and evocative music.

Van Heest will speak on “Lost on the Lady Elgin” at 2 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Ave. in South Haven.

The event is free, and no reservations are necessary.