Evolution of Fog Signals Demonstration

When fog or poor weather moves in and blocks out the light from the lighthouse, sailors relied on sound signals to help them determine their location on the water.  Learn how the evolution of these sound signals happened from gunpowder, to steam, to compressed air, and now electricity.

The highlight of the presentation will be the DEMONSTRATION of each signal!  HEAR a cannon’s roar, a steam whistle’s melodic tone, and the sharp honk of a diaphone horn.  Don’t know what a diaphone is?  You will!

Local history buff Jake Heffernan of the Kewaunee Lighthouse will walk us through this journey, using a portable compressed air system which powers a 5″ diameter steam whistle and a small “diaphone” horn.  A small (3/4″ bore) cannon is used to demonstrate the fog cannon.  As a special feature and to demonstrate the further evolution of horns, the diaphragm horns aboard the museum tug LUDINGTON will be sounded as well.  This event also corresponds with the anniversary of the WWII D-Day landings, which the tug participated in.  The horns are being sounded for demonstration purposes, but also to memorialize the landings and those who perished during the battle.

This unique and immersive exploration of sound is fun for the whole family!

Ticket proceeds benefit the restoration of the Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse.

Limited bleacher seating is available.  Lawn chairs are encouraged.

SAFETY/SENSORY WARNING – The demonstrations provided during this presentation are loud by their nature.  Hearing protection is recommended.