Chicago became a busy port city connecting the produce and products of the Midwest with a national distribution system of lake vessels, canal boats and railroads. The number of ships arriving and leaving the Port of Chicago in 1910 exceeded any port in North America and rivaled all the great harbors of the world including London and Hamburg. The Chicago Maritime Museum aims to become recognized as the leading authority on our waterways and their significance to Chicago and the world in the past, present and future. Chicago, Illinois

The Museum promotes interest and support for the United States Navy's newest official museum, The Great Lakes Naval Museum, which informs, educates and inspires sailors, family members and the public by presenting the history, diversity, rich tradition and proud heritage of the U.S. Navy by using artifacts, artwork, memorabilia and interactive exhibits to tell the story of recruit training for sailors from the early Navy to the present time. Great Lakes, Illinois