Welcome!

Our Mission

Michigan Shipwreck Research Associates is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, whose mission is to preserve and promote Michigan's submerged maritime history. The organization's work includes research and documentation of submerged cultural resources and the creation of educational programs and materials. MSRA hosts an annual public symposium, maintains this website and produces newsletters, documentary films, informative articles, books and museum exhibits, and makes presentations to youth and adult based organizations.

As a Holland, Michigan-based volunteer organization, MSRA relies on memberships, fundraising events and grants to continue its work. MSRA was formed in 2001 by a board of directors who continue to oversee for operation of the organization on a volunteer basis. Over the past decade, MSRA has been researching, discovering, documenting and exploring a number of significant Great Lakes Shipwrecks. You may catch up on all the latest news by reading our newsletter, The Explorer.

Breaking News:

MSRA co-director Craig Rich's book is available! Get your copy now! For Those In Peril: Shipwrecks of Ottawa County Michigan chronicles over 100 maritime disasters along the western shores of Ottawa County. It is for sale at Craig's web page  or our publishing partner.

 

Visit our publishing partner

MSRA has partnered with In-Depth Editions to help further the mission of the organization. Visit In-Depth Editions. Icebound: The Adventures of Young George Sheldon and the SS Michigan, by Valerie van Heest; Buckets & Belts: The Evolution of the Great Lakes Self-Unloader by Valerie van Heest & William Lafferty and Craig Rich's book "For Those in Peril: Shipwrecks of Ottawa County Michigan" are available. Order your copies now! Other Great Lakes shipwreck books are available through the MSRA store.

Getting Started

Where should you start? Click on Discovery above for a list of all the discovered --and not yet discovered -- shipwrecks in the area. We have stories to tell...