SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. — The Michigan Maritime Museum will be hosting speaker Allen Deming, master craftsman and owner of Mackinaw Watercraft, LLC for his presentation entitled, “You, Can Build a Wooden Boat” as part of our annual Lecture Series.

In this presentation, Deming will share his insights on the tools, the time and the talents you will need to build the two most popular types of home built wooden boats. Deming will also direct you to the best places for instruction, mentoring or DIY resources. You will also be provided with information about the most reliable sources to buy plans and materials. This multi-media presentation, developed in the last decade of building and teaching wooden boat building, will answer your questions and encourage future boat builders of all skill levels.

After a long career in corporate sales, Deming turned a wood working hobby and a love of the outdoors into a small business. Deming designs, builds and markets custom wood canoes, kayaks, rowing boats and paddles. Mackinaw Watercraft was born in 2007 and it is a full time venture for its owner. Mackinaw Watercraft offers only Deming’s handcrafted designs. His Mackinaw Watercraft Canoe and Kayak College teaches students of all backgrounds to build strip-built boats and paddles.

In the past few years Deming’s boats and paddles have drawn recognition as objects of art, culminating in his “The One Tree” kayak and “The Gift of the Turtle” canoe being chosen for display in the 2014 and 2015 Grand Rapids ArtPrize competitions.

Deming’s mission is to use wooden boats to foster a closer relationship between the paddler and nature.

Allen Deming will be speaking on the Michigan Maritime Museum Campus February 27th from 12-1pm. Join the Michigan Maritime Museum for what is certain to be an excellent lecture.

Admission is $8 for adults and $7 for seniors. There is no admission fee for Museum members. Light refreshments will be provided. Become a member and attend each additional lecture at no cost. It is the perfect time to become a member!

The Michigan Maritime Museum is dedicated to the preservation of Michigan Great Lakes waterways, maritime history, and culture. Located at the drawbridge in South Haven, the museum is a 501(c3) organization and donations are tax deductible. For more information call 1-800-747-3810 or visit michiganmaritimemuseum.org.