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We are saddened by the death of the Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museums’ founder, Ed Brklacich. He passed away, with his family by his side, on Tuesday, 09.Apr.13.

Ed and his beloved wife, Betty, both retired school teachers, were visionaries, in that they saw the need to honor people that served the Great Lakes. Ed met many sailors through his love of the Lakes and felt a tug on his heart to honor the men and women who made their living working on the Great Lakes. He started a traveling display in 1990. Three years later, Ed put the display into a building in Sebewaing, Michigan. It grew fast and gained a big following. After a few years, he felt that more people needed to see the displays, honoring people, so he worked out the details to move it to a Nautical city, with more tourist appeal, that being Rogers City, Michigan.

Ed, and many dedicated workers devoted to Ed and Betty’s vision, transformed a building from virtually nothing, into a beautiful museum that houses nautical treasures. The museum lives up to its claim to fame; being the only museum on the Great Lakes whose sole purpose is to honor people. Today, the museum welcomes guests from not just Michigan, but all over the USA and some foreign lands as well.

Due to fatigue and some health issues with him and his beloved wife, Betty, he passed the Directorship on in 2005. His fingerprints are still all over the museum and his vision will live on as the museum enters its 23rd season.

Ed and Betty will be honored this year as they will be inducted into the Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum’s Hall of Fame, this August during the “Gathering” ceremony, August 16th & 17th.

He will be missed!

Open Every Day 11 :00 am - 4:00 pm.

GROUP TOURS WELCOME!
Please call ahead for details.
Admission: $3.00 Adults
Children (K-12): Free

School Classroom Educational Tours
Available Upon Request

From Great Lakes Sailing Ships to Super-carriers

The Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum is a maritime museum that specializes in memories not just artifacts. It is located in Rogers City, in Michigan's lower peninsula. In the heart of the inland seas known as the Great Lakes, you'll find a place where the rich history of that great waterway comes to life. The generations of men and women who risked life itself to sail and make their livings on these waters are enshrined and remembered here as are their uniforms, personal possessions, navigational and other maritime tools... all waiting to paint vivid memories of life on the Great Lakes for you and your family.

Native American traders and 21st century captains, all present and accounted for! From small "day" sailors manned by pre colonial French and British traders to modern-day super carriers bearing the flags of most maritime powers, Great Lakes commercial craft, their captains and crew members are depicted and commemorated. We also honor Coast Guard Lighthouse Keepers and Life Saving Station Employees. Chart your course for the Great Lakes Maritime Museum. and step into four centuries of fascinating Great Lakes history and tradition.

Click here for Rare Footage of the Edmund Fitzgerald and Crew dated November, 1968

Our volunteers are very dear and special to us. These are the folks who are dedicated in making this museum a wonderful place to visit. We are in need of more volunteers, if you would like to volunteer a couple hours a week, month, or whatever works please give us a call.

The life of Great Lakes Mariners: Above and Below Decks

Our museum is also a veritable Great Lakes maritime hall of fame, with annual inductees joining the men and women whose lives and accomplishments on the Great Lakes are permanently stored and chronicled here. Their living quarters aboard ship are brought to life with samplings of cabin furniture, foul weather gear, lockers, lifeboats and other items completing the picture of life and work on the Great Lakes.

Ship miniatures, photographs and drawings of Great Lakes Vessels are in ample evidence here. Prominent Great Lakes structures such as lighthouses, docks, warehouses and shipping offices are also detailed in photographs or illustrations. Some of these structures are still in use while many more have faded into history. All are here waiting for you.

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