Shipmaster Memorial - Captain at the Helm
The centerpiece of Chicago’s Christmas Ship event and many other Navy Pier events is the Captain at the Helm. The Statue was a gift from the Chicago Lodge of Shipmasters International, the professional association of ship Captains who are licensed as masters of inspected vessels that carry America’s cargo and passengers on the waterways and high seas. The project engraved brickwork bears the names of many legendary Captains, major donors, members and family and friends. A major engraved stone on the "Steps" displays words of appreciation to the Chicago Marine Heritage Society for its contributions which made this project a success.
The statue is maintained by the Shipmaster Memorial Organization, the charitable arm of the Shipmaster’s Chicago Lodge. Skilled workmen regularly give the statue a face lift that restores it to its original splendor to be able to continue the tradition of the thousands of people who have participated in these events, which usually includes the ceremonial group shot at the end of the day at The Statue.
The statue proudly proclaims that on the 19th day of May at the beginning of the new millennium in the year 2000 it was dedicated -
"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."
Several years before this dedication, the initiation of the statue project was unanimously approved by all the Shipmasters members as a means of giving an inspirational gift of value to their home port and the future generations who will pass by here. Throughout the process of selecting the sculptor, raising funds and getting the job done, the Shipmaster lodge members, their families and friends, enthusiastically supported the project.
During construction a delegation of the shipmaster group that was managing this effort approached the Society. They asked for help in resolving a variety of obstacles that had arisen when seeking Pier and City and permission to use the location to erect the statue. There were additional issues relating to the City’s assumption of ownership of the statue. The Society aggressively negotiated with the City and Pier authorities for a series of resonable and appropriate concessions that paved the way for the installation at the site desired by the Shipmasters. The Society also made a significant challenge grant which put the project over the top financially.
The Society is proud to have had the opportunity to partner with the Shipmasters in delivering this exceptional gift to the City and its people.
