About Project GL

Connecting People to the Great Lakes

Project GL is a regional outreach initiative dedicated to connecting people with the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes. What began as an educational program for K–12 students has evolved into a community initiative for anyone who wants to Discover. Learn. Protect. Every session is tailored to the region: in Chicago we sail with the Lady Elgin; in the U.P. we ride out the November gale with the Fitzgerald.

Leah on the Lake Superior shoreline, Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Photo: Leah Kirchhoff
What Makes Project GL Different

Not a slideshow. An immersive Great Lakes experience.

Archival research

Sessions are built from primary sources by a trained archivist and historian.

The lakes, not just the wrecks

The freshwater system stays at the center. Wrecks are one chapter, not the whole book.

In your room

Schools, libraries, sailing clubs, I bring the story and the technology to your space, in person.

Credentials

The Lakes Are Still Making Waves.

Project GL is led by a Great Lakes maritime historian and university instructor with experience in research, teaching, and fieldwork across the Great Lakes. That experience brings both the history and the Great Lakes of today into every Project GL session.

  • Instructor · Great Lakes Maritime History
    Northern Michigan University
  • M.S. Library & Information Science, Archival Certification
    Dominican University
  • B.A. History
    Northern Michigan University
  • PADI Certifications
    Advanced Open Water · Dry Suit · Enriched Air (Nitrox)
Collaboration, not competition

Navigating Together

Project GL sails alongside the museums, historians, divers, and sailing communities already doing this work. We believe in collaboration, not competition.

With gratitude

Project GL is grateful to every school, museum, and organization that has welcomed this work, shared in its mission, and helped carry the journey forward.

2025

Aspen Ridge Elementary School·Birchview Elementary School·Chicago Maritime Museum·Lakeview Elementary School·Sandy Knoll Elementary School·The Interlake Steamship Company

2026

AuTrain-Onota Public Schools·Big Bay de Noc Schools·Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum·North Star Montessori Academy·Sail Charlevoix·Three Lakes Academy

With Gratitude

Those Who Keep Her Sailing

Active · since July 2026

Come Aboard ⚓ Support Project Great Lakes

For the Journey Ahead

$4,000of $25,000

FIDELITY CHARITABLE | S. GROSS

Fulfilled · August 2026

Technology for the Next Voyage

Bringing Great Lakes history and discovery to life through technology.

$7,000of $7,000

K & J WELLS

501(c)(3) · nonprofitEIN: 42-3489446

Grants are subject to a 10% indirect cost allowance.

Book a Session

Bring Project GL to your school, library, or community group.

Sessions are best for groups of 10–40 and run 60 minutes. Available in-person across the Great Lakes region and virtually anywhere. Fill in the log entry below and I'll be in touch within a few days.

Or email directly: projectglgreatlakes@gmail.com