Maritime Heritage Alliance
The Impact of Maritime Heritage Alliance:
Maritime Heritage Alliance (MHA) exists to preserve, interpret, share and promote the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes. During summer 2021, 111 children and 14 supervising adults, totaling 125 participants, participated in the SAIL Champion program. Expanding their leadership, teamwork, independence, and boundaries of what they can achieve. We had 50 families and friends charter Champion and witnessed the enjoyment and bonding of working and cruising on the vessel. Through community outreach and supporting our volunteers we had 45 participants in community sails. A grand total of 220 people shared the splendor of sailing a historical wooden boat in West Bay.
The Value of being at Discovery Center & Pier
“The Maritime Heritage Alliance is privileged to be a part of the Discovery Center & Pier as it allows us to connect Adults and Youth with history through on water experiences and shoreside activities. We have over 50 regular volunteers that have donated over 7,100 hours of time in shop projects, boat building, ship maintenance, program and event development, as well as sail training and fine woodworking.”
— Heather Jenkins
“I just wanted to drop a note to tell you about the wonderful experiences I've had with my Little Sister on the Sail Champion AND the Discovery Cruise. You provided us with experiences that never would have been possible and she's already talking about "someday sailing my own boat". Such great people working and volunteering at the Discovery Center & Pier. I have shared our experience with others, but I worry too many people will find out and there won't be room for us next year. Thank you so much for these great opportunities.”
-CECILIA J. CHESNEY,
Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan