The Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc is closed due to the pandemic. Still, a focal point of the Museum is the submarine, the SS Cobia. The vessel is usually bustling with tour groups and curious Museum-goers. Today, the SS Cobia gently floats in the Manitowoc River.
Cathy Green, the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum the staff had a “moment” when planning for the museum lockdown. Green said,
“When we sat down and talked to our maintenance supervisor and our submarine curator to develop a plan for the Cobia maintenance while the museum is closed, we realize this is the first time in 50 years that somebody hasn’t been on that sub pretty much every day”
While the galleys and compartments of the Cobia silenced due to the absence of visitors during the “Stay at Home” order. Green said the Cobia is doing fine.
“Because we’ve done such a great job, our volunteers and our staff, of maintaining Cobia over the years, she is ship-shape and watertight and we are keeping a regular eye on her to make sure she stays that way.”
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum has been moving the Museum experience online during the “Stay at Home” order. Green said the Museum website is posting lesson plans, activities and virtual tours while closed to the public.
You can find the website at www.wisconsinmaritimemuseum.org
Launched November 28, 1943, in Groton, Connecticut. The SS Cobia was brought to Manitowoc to serve as an international memorial to submariners in 1970 and in 1986, the Cobia was incorporated as a part of the Manitowoc Maritime Museum, declared a National Historic Landmark, and placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
