Mission Statement:

The mission of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society is  to collect, preserve, study and interpret the material culture of the Great Lakes.  Primary emphasis will be on maritime history as it relates to the U.S. Lifesaving Service, U.S. Lighthouse Service, U.S. Coast Guard and ships and travelers who fell victim to the perils of maritime transport.

Shipwreck Museum programs are essentially of the humanities, designed to examine man's attempts to harness nature and the hardships encountered while navigating the Great Lakes.  Through quality and content of its operations, the Shipwreck Museum will continue to maintain its position as a leading professional maritime organization on the Great Lakes.

The principal constituents of the museum are:  Its members, regional educational institutions, divers, and those who have a vested interest in Great Lakes Shipping or have lost loved ones to shipwreck.  Through continued communications with these various constituencies, the Shipwreck Museum will evaluate and refine its exhibits, programs, publications and special events.