Our Staff
Lifeblood
Jeff Shook
Jeff Shook is the president of the Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy, which is the owner for the Muskegon South Breakwater, Muskegon South Pierhead, and Alpena Breakwater Lighthouses and is a director of the US Life-Saving Service Heritage Association, a national organization dedicated to preserving the early history of the US Coast Guard. Jeff also serves with the Michigan Lighthouse Alliance board of directors. Jeff has assisted with various museums on projects and has worked on numerous preservation projects including the restoration of the St. Clair Flats Canal Range Light Station, a 1967 USCG 44 foot motor life boat, a 1941 USCG 36 foot motor life boat, a 1930’s USCG 26 foot motor surf boat, and is currently working on a 1913 US Life-Saving Service 36 foot motor life boat.
He was hired by Disney as a technical consultant for the movie The Finest Hours and supplied two boats and numerous artifacts for the movie and worked on the movie set. Jeff has a vast technical knowledge of artifacts concerning the Lighthouse Service and Life-Saving Service. His 5th Great Grandmother in 1849 became Michigan’s first female light-keeper at the Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse.
He is owner of the Port Sanilac Lighthouse and works with the Sanilac County Historical Society for opening it up for public tours during the summer. He also has served as a paid on call firefighter and EMT for over 30 years in his hometown of Fenton, MI. Jeff is excited about lighthouse preservation and has dedicated much of his life towards lighthouses.
Our Lighthouse partners
NOAA – Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory
NOAA GLERL's Lake Michigan Field Station (LMFS) is the home port for NOAA Great Lakes vessels, which operate throughout the Great Lakes. It is also the platform for the long-term observations research program on Lake Michigan. The LMFS is strategically positioned on Lake Michigan to provide support to the local and regional community by further developing NOAA's role in freshwater ecology, ecosystems management, coastal management, and water-based commerce. This field station promotes long-term observations, field work, and process studies essential for understanding and developing future ecological services.
Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium (GLWSC)
The Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium (GLWSC) is a "community of BEST practice" bringing together first responders, community leaders, park rangers, research scientists, lifeguards, meteorologists, survivors, loved ones, and other water safety advocates. The GLWSC mission is to connect all groups and individuals interested in water safety to maximize our collective knowledge, resources, and actions to END DROWNING IN THE GREAT LAKES.
Michigan Lighthouse Guide
The exciting Michigan Lighthouse Guide has actively captured the attention and following of Lighthouse enthusiasts and adventurous visitors to the Great Lakes State from all across the country. There's something truly mysterious and magical about Michigan's historic Beacons of Light that leave visitors enchanted and inspired, and this map will guide you to them, with updated information on nearly 130 Michigan Lighthouses.
Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association (SPLKA)
While managing White River Light Station, Little Sable Point Lighthouse, Ludington North Breakwater Light and Big Sable Point Lighthouse, the mission of SPLKA is to to preserve, promote and educate the public and make their lighthouses accessible to all.
Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association (GLLKA)
Originally consisting of an informal gathering of retired lighthouse keepers, their families and friends, the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association (GLLKA) was officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 1983, making it one of the nation's longest-lived lighthouse preservation groups.
Interactive Shipwreck & Lighthouse Map At Michigan History Center
The cold, fresh waters of the Great Lakes are literally littered with shipwrecks – pieces of history capturing chapters of a time when transport by water was as important as transport by land.
There are some 1,500 shipwrecks submerged in Michigan waters alone, making up one-quarter of the estimated 6,000 wrecks found throughout the Great Lakes.
Now, thanks to the recently launched Michigan Shipwrecks StoryMap, it’s easy to learn about the mystery and tragedy surrounding these ships.
Help Save Lighthouses – Donate Now
Help support the Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy with your thoughtful donation