The brigantine John J. Audubon

Senator Levin was honored for his leadership on Great Lakes issues, particularly his support of the formation and continuation of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Ms. Krueger was recognized for her tireless efforts on behalf of the Sanctuary, especially for her development and management of the Sanctuary’s volunteer program.

In route for repair, the Grecian sank in a storm in 1906.

In conjunction with the 5^th Anniversary celebration, the much anticipated grand opening of the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center took place Sept. 17^th during a free public celebration that included a concert by local favorite Song of the Lakes. The Center will become a vital and popular destination for over 60,000 residents and visitors a year. The 20,000-square-foot facility features a Discovery Center, an auditorium with capability to show live video feeds from shipwrecks, and an archaeological conservation laboratory.

Rendering of the new Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena, MI.

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation promotes the educational and outreach efforts of the National Marine Sanctuary System. This celebration helped raise visibility for the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation among Michigan-based, regional and national companies.

Winch from the shipwreck E.B. Allen resting approximately 100’ on the bottom of Lake Huron.

The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary was established in 2000 to protect one of the nation's most historically significant collection of shipwrecks. Located in the northeast corner of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, the 448 square mile sanctuary contains dozens of historic shipwrecks. Archival research indicated that nearly 200 sites await discovery in and around the sanctuary. Preserved by Lake Huron's cold, fresh water, the shipwrecks of Thunder Bay are time capsules, providing a link to our maritime past. The sanctuary seeks to ensure that divers and non-divers of all ages share in the discovery, exploration and preservation of Thunder Bay's historic shipwrecks.

As part of its mission to educate the public about the cultural significance of shipwrecks, the sanctuary in partnership with the State of Michigan, is establishing the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena, Michigan. The Center promises to be a vital and popular destination for residents and visitors of all ages, allowing the public to experience and appreciate the estimated 200 shipwrecks in and around Thunder Bay.  Visitors will be able to explore Sanctuary shipwrecks in real time via live video feeds from shipwrecks to the Center, discover the Great Lakes’ rich maritime past through innovative exhibits, and learn how underwater archaeologists manage and preserve historic shipwrecks. Fostering these types of experiences is central to the National Marine Sanctuary Program’s goal of inspiring Americans to care about our oceans and Great Lakes.