Lecturers at the Jefferson Educational Society

Captain Walter Rybka earned a B.A. from Macalester College. He is currently the administrator & senior captain of Erie Maritime Museum & U.S. Brig Niagara, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC.) He has been awarded a lifetime achievement award from the American Sail Training Association.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Captain Rybka was not from a boating family, but a frequent visitor to the harbor, beginning a maritime interest that has lasted a lifetime. His parents took their four children to museums of all kinds, and many National Parks and historic sites as well, which encouraged an interest in history. He is married to Penny, a Texas native. The two met while working in Galveston. They have one daughter, Elizabeth.