History Comes Full Circle at The Lodge at Leathem Smith

On Monday, September 15, 2025, the Door County Historical Society invites you to an evening where history and family legacy come together in a truly remarkable way. Our September Dine & Discover Dinner Program, The Life & Legacy of Leathem D. Smith, will take place at The Lodge at Leathem Smith—the very place named for one of Door County’s most influential entrepreneurs.

What makes this program so special is the storyteller: Leathem Smith Stearn, grandson of Leathem D. Smith himself. In the lodge that bears his grandfather’s name, Stearn will share stories of innovation, vision, and determination that shaped both his family and our community. This rare connection—grandson, grandfather, and historic setting all together—offers a perspective you won’t find anywhere else.

Leathem D. Smith’s legacy is woven throughout Door County history. From the stone quarry and the county’s first toll bridge to the Leathem and Smith Shipbuilding Company, his ventures transformed Sturgeon Bay and provided vital jobs during World War II. He even revolutionized the shipping industry with the invention of the first cargo container, one of which is still on display at the Door County Maritime Museum.

Carrying forward that spirit of innovation, his grandson, Leathem Stearn, has built his own extraordinary career. He competed in the 1972 Olympics with the U.S. Yachting Team, earned degrees in Naval Architecture and Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Michigan, and launched Stearn Sailing Systems, introducing a breakthrough in sailboat racing. Today, he continues to ski, sail, and explore new ventures—all while honoring the family name.

This evening promises to be one of the most unique programs we’ve ever hosted—an opportunity to experience history both personally and locally.

Event Details:
Monday, September 15, 2025
The Lodge at Leathem Smith, 1640 Memorial Drive, Sturgeon Bay
5:00 p.m. – Doors open & cocktails
6:00 p.m. – Dinner (honey baked chicken, stuffed pork loin, mashed potatoes, vegetables, rolls with butter, cookies, and coffee)
Program to follow

Cost: $40 per person | $35 for DCHS members
Registration Deadline: September 8, 2025

Reservations can be made ONLINE HERE or by phone at (920) 421-2332.

Don’t miss this rare chance to hear about the life of Leathem D. Smith—in the lodge that carries his name—told by his grandson. We expect this program to fill quickly, so secure your seat today!

Your attendance, membership, and donations help us preserve and share Door County’s history for generations to come.