About the Model
- Creator: Zach Whitrock (@Whitrzac)
- Platform: Hosted on Sketchfab as “Jennibel (1863)” WIsconsin Shipwreck Featured as 3Dmodel
- Technical Specs: Captured with Agisoft Metashape; mesh contains ~2.8 million triangles and 1.4 million vertices — a richly detailed physical record Sketchfab
- Publication Date: Released today (July 18, 2025) Sketchfab
Final Voyage Recap
- On September 7, 1891, the schooner Jennibel departed Egg Harbor with cordwood and hemlock bark, heading toward Plum Island in the Death’s Door Passage
- A sudden squall capsized her; the crew was rescued by Captain Burnham aboard the tug Gregory
- The tug took her in tow, but the schooner foundered south of Chambers Island. The tow line was buoyed, slipped during salvage attempts, and the Jennibel settled in ~100 ft of water where she remains
Significance of the Digital Model
- Structural clarity: Reveals intact areas of cargo, deck framing, and hull form—ideal for virtual inspections
- Research planning: Enables archaeologists and divers to measure, annotate, and assess conditions without physical impact
- Educational outreach: Enhances public engagement and preservation by offering intuitive, immersive access to the wreck
Suggested Next Steps for Researchers & Divers
- Explore the 3D model on Sketchfab to identify sections of interest—e.g., cargo load, mast-step locations, hull damage
- Coordinate archival research: Match observed features with ship plans, enrollment records, and cargo manifests from 1891
- Plan a dive mission: Use model insights to target specific areas—like intact cargo, break points, or possible artifact assemblage
- Publish findings: Combine digital and archival data for academic papers or to support heritage nomination, possibly through WI Historical Society or NOAA outreach
Conclusion
Zach Whitrock’s new 3D model of the Jennibel is a major milestone in shipwreck archaeology on Lake Michigan—bringing submerged heritage into sharp, interactive focus. It offers a complete virtual platform for exploration, analysis, and preservation planning.
More on the Jennibel on SLD