November 10, 1995, 20 years after the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald, Ruth Hudson (left) mother of deckhand Bruce Hudson and Cheryl Rozman daughter of Watchman Ransom Cundy pose with Canadian folksinger/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot and the restored Fitzgerald bell recovered July 4, 1995.

The Great Lakes Mariners Memorial Capital Campaign commences to remember the more than 6,000 ships and 30,000 lives lost on the Great Lakes. Our goal is to bring recognition, that is long overdue, to those who have lost their lives, and to those of the U.S. Life Saving Service and U.S. Coast Guard who put themselves in harm's way to render assistance to mariners.

GLSHS has a proven record of success in its ability to conceive, design, promote, and implement a project of this nature. The campaign has the endorsements of many in the Great Lakes maritime community. Our supporters are confident that GLSHS is the best organization to create an international Great Lakes Mariners Memorial and that Whitefish Point is the fitting location for the tribute.

Endorsements:
The Great Lakes Mariners Memorial Capital Campaign is endorsed by many in the international community including Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien and Michigan Governor John Engler. To view their endorsements and those of others, check out our Press Release Archives.

Dennis Hale
Sole survivor of the wreck of the Daniel J. Morrell, November 29, 1966
"Since the night that the Daniel J. Morrell sank, I have always wondered why I was the only one to have been spared. Now I know. I am here to preserve the memory of my friends, of my fellow Great Lakes mariners, who were lost. I wholeheartedly support the Great Lakes Mariners Memorial Project."

Bruce Hudson (left) with fellow crewman Mark Thomas.

Ruth Hudson
Mother of Bruce Hudson, 23 year old crewman lost with the Edmund Fitzgerald, November 10, 1975
"The process of healing takes a long time. For those of us who have lost loved ones to shipwreck, this memorial will be the best way for us to remember our time together."

Gordon Lightfoot
Folksinger/Songwriter, Honorary Campaign Chairman
"This project has my full support. I commend the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society for its outstanding accomplishments."

Our Goal:
$4 million: $2 million for historic restoration and construction and $2 million to establish an endowment fund.

Total Raised to date: $1,700,000   The Great Lakes Mariners Memorial Campaign is proud to announce contributions from the following Foundations: Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, Charles J. Strosacker Foundation, Robert P. and Ella B. Hudson Foundation and the Elizabeth E. Kennedy Fund. Gifts from individuals total $219,000. "An Evening with Gordon Lightfoot" held on September 19, 1998 raised more than $40,000. A grant for $39,600 was received from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs for the Crew's Quarters Building adaptive reuse and restoration. A subsequent grant from MCACA is funding restoration of the U.S. Coast Guard Boathouse. Boathouse exhibits are also supported by a $20,000 grant from the Americana Foundation. Two individual donors have made significant contributions in memory of their late husbands who were fond of the Great Lakes. The Society has been notified that they will be the recipient of a significant bequest from Fred and Juanita Koors. The Koors' have designated the gift in honor of Captains Edward and Phillip Fitch. The late Edward Fitch was the first Captain to pilot a 1,000-footer through the St. Mary's River. Phillip Fitch is a retired Captain of the Burns Harbor. $454,400 was received from the Michigan Department of Transportation to complete historic restoration of structures at Whitefish Point.

Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum Expansion   Two new wings will be added to the current museum gallery. The West Wing will house a comprehensive Great Lakes Mariners Memorial to remember those individuals and vessels lost on the inland seas. The Memorial Wing will also feature a new multi-media theater and lecture hall. A changing exhibits gallery will be constructed in the new East Wing. The Shipwreck Society is actively seeking major private donations to support these museum wings.

Historic Restoration Projects Exterior restoration of the U.S. Coast Guard Crew's Quarters Building has been completed. The project was funded through a generous grant from the State of Michigan through the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, Cultural Projects for Cities, Townships and Villages Program. Restoration of the interior of this building has also been completed. Funding for interior restoration was supported by the Michigan Department of Transportation Enhancement Act Program for the 21st Century.

U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboat Station Restoration   Complete restoration of on-site U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboat Station structures will interpret the story of the courageous men who stood watch over Lake Superior's Shipwreck Coast. Projects include restoration of the Surfboat Boathouse, construction of a replica surfboat, beachcart apparatus, and associated lifesaving equipment, and the adaptive reuse and restoration of the Fog Signal building. Restoration of the Lookout Tower was completed in 1998. The restored Surfboat House is now open to visitors with exciting exhibits about the history of the U.S. Life Saving Service and U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Station at Whitefish Point.

Contributing to the Great Lakes Mariners Memorial Campaign

Not many of us have an opportunity to preserve and interpret the history of an industry that played such an important role in achieving the prosperity that North America now enjoys. That opportunity now exists with the creation of an International Great Lakes Mariners Memorial at Whitefish Point. We invite you to become involved in supporting this exciting project.

GLSHS is a qualified 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. All contributions are tax deductible as provided by law. Please consider joining us in a work that will continue to benefit generations to come. Click here to contact us about making a contribution.