Brendon Baillod – Maritime Historian and Shipwreck Discoverer
Background and Expertise
Brendon Baillod is a renowned Great Lakes maritime historian, shipwreck hunter, and author, widely recognized for his contributions to the field of underwater archaeology and his extensive knowledge of Great Lakes history. Based in Wisconsin, Baillod has spent decades researching and documenting the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes region, with a particular focus on lost shipwrecks.
Notable Contributions
1. Shipwreck Discoveries
Brendon Baillod has been directly involved in the discovery of numerous historically significant shipwrecks in the Great Lakes.
• Margaret A. Muir (2024): Located off Algoma, Wisconsin, in Lake Michigan in collaboration with maritime historian Bob Jaeck.
• Trinidad (2023): A 19th-century schooner found off Algoma, resting in 300 feet of water.
• Other projects include assisting in the identification and documentation of numerous lost vessels through historical records, sonar searches, and diving expeditions.
2. Research and Writing
Baillod is the author of several articles, reports, and presentations on Great Lakes shipwrecks, maritime archaeology, and regional history. His meticulous research often combines historical accounts, archival material, and advanced technology like side-scan sonar to locate and study shipwrecks.
3. Great Lakes Maritime History Preservation
• He works to document and preserve shipwreck sites, often collaborating with organizations such as the Wisconsin Historical Society and the Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association (WUAA).
• His efforts aim to raise awareness about the importance of protecting underwater cultural heritage.
4. Public Outreach
• Baillod frequently gives lectures, participates in symposiums, and shares his findings to educate the public about Great Lakes maritime history.
• He maintains an online presence, sharing insights and discoveries with a wide audience of maritime enthusiasts and historians.
Affiliations and Collaborations
• Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association (WUAA)
• Wisconsin Historical Society’s Maritime Archaeology Program
• National Museum of the Great Lakes
• Frequent collaborator with other noted shipwreck historians and explorers, including Bob Jaeck and Kevin Cullen.
Awards and Recognition
Brendon Baillod is widely respected in the field of Great Lakes maritime history and has received recognition for his tireless dedication to preserving and uncovering the region’s underwater treasures. His work is regularly featured in historical publications, news media, and maritime archaeology forums.
Further Reading and Resources
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
Brendon Baillod is a key figure in the study of Great Lakes maritime history, combining a passion for research with cutting-edge technology to uncover the stories of lost vessels. His discoveries, like the Trinidad and Margaret A. Muir, have significantly advanced the understanding of the Great Lakes’ rich maritime heritage.