How to Attend the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association's Annual Shipwreck Show
Updated
The Michigan Shipwreck Research Association (MSRA) holds an annual shipwreck show titled "Mysteries & Histories Beneath the Inland Seas." The 2026 show has already taken place, and the next one is scheduled for March 2027. To attend, you buy tickets or a membership through the MSRA website, and you can follow the organization on Facebook for announcements about the next show.
What the Show Is
The annual event is MSRA's flagship public program, combining shipwreck research with maritime history presentations. The site describes it as a recurring "Shipwreck show," and past shows are archived going back to 1997, which tells you this is a long-running event rather than a one-off.
If you missed the 2026 edition, the site's message is direct: "We'll be back in March, 2027."
How to Get Tickets or Membership
The site points visitors to a single action: "Buy your tickets or membership here!" That link is the path to attending — you either purchase a ticket for the show or become a member.
- Tickets are the straightforward option if you only want to attend the show.
- Membership is worth considering if you expect to attend regularly or want to support MSRA's work. The site notes that MSRA is "partially funded by members and supporters," so membership doubles as support for the organization.
The page does not list prices, so check the ticket/membership link for current rates and any login requirements.
Staying Informed About the 2027 Show
Because the 2026 show has ended and 2027 details aren't posted yet, the practical step now is to watch for announcements:
- Follow MSRA on Facebook — the site explicitly directs visitors to
https://www.facebook.com/MichiganShipwreckResearchAssociation/and says to "Like us on facebook" so you "Never miss an event, announcement or discovery." - Check the website's news and newsletter sections — the site lists "News," "Newsletter," and "Contact" among its main links.
- Revisit the ticket/membership page closer to March 2027, when the next show's details should appear.
What Else You Can Explore While You Wait
The site is more than an event page. Its main sections include:
| Section | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Shipwrecks | Found shipwrecks, lost shipwrecks, surf zone shipwrecks (lost and found), and airplane losses |
| Virtual Museum | "Shipwrecks: A Deep Look," Lost & Found, Unsolved Mysteries, and an Artifact Collection |
| Past Shows | An archive of "Mysteries & Histories" shows from 1997 through 2020 |
These are useful if your interest in the annual show comes from a broader interest in Michigan maritime history — you can explore the research behind the presentations before the next event.
Key People and Partners
The site lists Valerie van Heest, Craig Rich, and Jack van Heest under its board and leadership links, along with a Board of Directors, a Publishing Partner, and an Exhibit Design Partner. If you want to understand who runs the organization before joining or attending, those pages give the background.
Quick Recap
- 2026 show: finished.
- Next show: March 2027.
- How to attend: buy tickets or membership via the website link.
- How to stay updated: follow MSRA on Facebook and check the site's news/newsletter sections.
- While waiting: browse the shipwrecks, virtual museum, and past-show archives.