Explore the heritage above and beneath the waves in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. With almost 100 shipwreck stories to discover, our sanctuary is a hot spot for historical and archaeological research. We protect and preserve our unique Great Lakes maritime cultural heritage.
![A diver inspects a shipwreck](/media/img/20200928-shipwreck-and-diver-400.jpg)
Shipwrecks
The shipwrecks of Thunder Bay constitute a microcosm of the Great Lakes commercial shipping industry spanning the last two hundred years, reflecting transitions in both ship architecture and construction.
![Black and white photo of a large ship](/media/img/20200928-norman-400.jpg)
Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Collection Archive
Managed through a partnership with the Alpena County George M. Fletcher Public Library, the archive is a large and unique public collection dedicated to Great Lakes maritime history. Much of the collection is accessible through a free online digital database. .