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Eber Brock Ward (1811–1875) began his career as a cabin boy on his uncle’s sailing vessels, but when he died in 1875, he was the wealthiest man in Michigan. Decades before moguls such as Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller, Ward was already vertically integrating his operations into an empire. And yet, despite his countless successes, Ward’s life was filled with ruthless competition, labor conflict, familial dispute, and scandal. Join us as we uncover this forgotten, but fascinating figure of Michigan history with Michael Nagle, historian and author of The Forgotten Iron King of the Great Lakes.
Doors open at 6 PM. You can purchase tickets for this event online, over the phone, or in-person.
This lecture series is made possible thanks to the Nielsen-Wells Grant Fund and Mike & Sue Smith.
The virtual viewing is made possible thanks to Steve & Emily Holt.

Wednesday Jul 22, 2026 Thursday Jul 23, 2026
Wednesday, 7/22
@ 6:30pm
Michigan Maritime Museum
260 Dyckman Ave
Tickets are free for Museum members and $10 for non-members.
South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce
606 Phillips Street
South Haven, MI 49090
Phone: 269-637-5171
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