Mission Statement:
The Mission of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society is to:
Preserve lights and stations which warned mariners of the dangers inherent, Honor those who were aboard and who bravely attempted rescue and Discover, document and interpret vessels which instead took the deep.

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society was founded in 1978 by a group of divers, teachers, and educators to commence exploration of historic shipwrecks in eastern Lake Superior, near Whitefish Point in Michigan’s scenic Upper Peninsula. Today, this non-profit organization operates two museum sites on historic properties: The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, Whitefish Point Light Station, Whitefish Point; and the U.S. Weather Bureau Building, Soo Locks Park, Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan.

The Shipwreck Museum is open to the public seasonally from May 1 to October 31; and the Weather Bureau is open year-round. Please call 906-635-1742 for exact hours.

The Shipwreck Society is a diverse organization that regularly publishes a newsletter, video/DVDs, booklets, and commissioned works of maritime art. Using its 47-foot Research Vessel David Boyd, the Society actively searches and documents historic shipwrecks each year during the diving season. The Society engages a team of highly experienced volunteer technical divers.

The Shipwreck Society is a 501 (c)(3) charitable non-profit organization; all contributions are tax deductible.

Business Documents

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society has grown to a $3.6 Million Michigan non-profit Corporation, with IRS 501 (c)(3) status. The following documents are available for public review and download. Please call Sean Ley, Development Officer, at 800-635-1742 if you have any questions about anything contained in these reports.

Accessibility Plan

Board and Staff 2022-2023

Cultural Data Project Funder Report for Three Years, 2021, 2020, 2019

Link to GuideStar Profile Page

Thank you, Michigan Arts & Culture Council & National Endowment for the Arts!

On September 20, 2024 the Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC) and National Endowment for the Arts took action on grant requests for the Mission Support Program. We are pleased to announce that the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society has been awarded $32,500 in state and federal funds for operational support, and reconstruction of the 2nd Assistant Keepers Quarters.  As a part of the overall redesign of the parking lots and habitat restoration at Whitefish Point, this little Keeper’s home will eventually be reconstructed to serve as a visitor’s center.