Captain at the Helm
"TO THOSE COURAGEOUS MARINERS WHO GUIDED THEIR SHIPS THROUGH PERILOUS WATERS, CARRYING CARGO AND PEOPLE, THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS HAVE BEEN SO MUCH A PART OF OUR HISTORY. MAY THEY NEVER BE FORGOTTEN."
Commemorating courageous mariners, the bronze statue Captain On The Helm by sculptor Michael Martino was officially dedicated in 2000. The statue was commissioned by the Chicago Lodge of the International Shipmasters' Association and made possible by a number of donations. Donors names are etched in bricks surrounding the statue and include quite the history of our Chicago waterways.
Positioned at the front gates of Navy Pier in Chicago, it serves as the perfect backdrop for our annual Blessing of the Fleet and Maritime Day event each year and is front and center for the annual Christmas Ship event. The statue serves as a proper tribute to mariners and their distinguished role in history.
Ownership of the statue was passed to the City of Chicago, but it's maintenance and upkeep are the responsibility of the Shipmaster Memorial Foundation. This charitable foundation is comprised of members of the Chicago Shipmasters.