John Paul Jones never sailed Lake Michigan, but he’s likely to be spotted there this summer, leading young sailors in sword-fighting exercises and securing the lake against enemy ships.
A Revolutionary War-era naval hero, John Paul Jones is best known for his battles aboard theBonhomme Richard and the cry, “I have not yet begun to fight!” Captain Jim Schneider of the Michigan Maritime Museum recreates the naval captain for 3- through 12-year-olds all summer long aboard theFriends Good Will, a reproduction of an 1812 sloop.
The tall ship, operated by the Michigan Maritime Museum out of South Haven, Michigan, introduces children to the American Revolution with John Paul Jones Sailor Cruises. (The ship offers various other cruises for seafarers of all ages, including mid-day, sunset and constellation voyages.) The reenactments go so far as to plant “enemy” sailing ships on the lake so kids can even attempt an old-fashioned capture.
Beyond their historical value, the museum’s cruises immerse youngsters in the beauty and excitement of Lake Michigan; for many, a trip aboard theFriends Good Will is their first Great Lakes excursion. It’s an event few forget, riding aboard a tall ship, its white canvas sails blowing in the wind. And, for entertainment value, participating in the exploits of a legendary sailor doesn’t hurt, either.