www.shipwreckmuseum.com

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to researching, preserving, and interpreting the maritime history of the Great Lakes, particularly focusing on shipwrecks. Established in 1978, the GLSHS operates out of Whitefish Point, Michigan, a historically significant location on Lake Superior, known for its proximity to numerous shipwrecks, including the famed SS Edmund Fitzgerald.

Mission and Activities

The GLSHS is committed to:

 1. Researching Shipwrecks:

 • Using advanced technologies like sonar and ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles), the society conducts underwater expeditions to locate and document wreck sites across the Great Lakes.

 2. Preserving Artifacts:

 • GLSHS recovers, restores, and preserves artifacts from shipwrecks to ensure they remain accessible for future generations. These artifacts are displayed in their museum to educate the public.

 3. Educating the Public:

 • The society operates the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point, where visitors can learn about maritime history, view shipwreck artifacts, and explore exhibits on the challenges of navigating the Great Lakes.

 4. Honoring Maritime Heritage:

 • GLSHS works to preserve the memories of sailors and vessels lost on the Great Lakes through memorials, exhibitions, and publications.

Key Discoveries and Contributions

1. Discovery of the SS Cyprus (2007):

 • Located off Deer Park, Michigan, in 460 feet of water, the GLSHS identified the wreck of the SS Cyprus, which sank in 1907 on its second voyage.

 2. *SS Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial:

 • The GLSHS is the custodian of the bell recovered from the Edmund Fitzgerald, a poignant artifact from one of the Great Lakes’ most famous maritime disasters.

 3. Documentation of Hundreds of Wrecks:

 • The society has located and documented numerous wrecks in Whitefish Bay and beyond, contributing to the understanding of Great Lakes maritime history.

Facilities and Resources

1. Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum:

 • Located at Whitefish Point, the museum showcases exhibits on:

 • The Edmund Fitzgerald

 • Artifacts recovered from shipwrecks

 • The history of lighthouses and lifesaving stations on the Great Lakes

 2. Whitefish Point Lighthouse:

 • The GLSHS maintains this historic lighthouse, which has guided mariners through the treacherous waters of Lake Superior for over a century.

 3. Underwater Exploration:

 • The society utilizes state-of-the-art equipment, including:

 • Side-scan sonar

 • ROVs

 • Advanced mapping technologies for shipwreck exploration

Public Engagement

 • Tours and Events:

 • Visitors can tour the Shipwreck Museum and Whitefish Point, and attend events like lectures, dive exhibits, and maritime history workshops.

 • Publications:

 • GLSHS regularly publishes reports, journals, and books on shipwreck discoveries and Great Lakes history.

 • Education Programs:

 • The society offers educational programs for schools, divers, and maritime enthusiasts.

Location and Contact

Headquarters:

Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society

18335 N. Whitefish Point Road,

Paradise, MI 49768, USA

Website: www.shipwreckmuseum.com

Legacy
The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society has become a vital institution for preserving and promoting the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes. Through its research, artifact preservation, and public education efforts, GLSHS ensures that the stories of the lakes’ shipwrecks and the mariners who sailed them are remembered and honored for generations.

Tags:

#GLSHS #GreatLakesShipwrecks #MaritimeHistory #LakeSuperior #WhitefishPoint #ShipwreckMuseum #UnderwaterExploration #EdmundFitzgerald