How to Reserve

Step 1: Find a date that works

Have your target event date and a back-up date ready along with an estimate of how many people you expect and what rooms you would like to reserve. Contact one of our staff at 989-884-6200 or andrew@thunderbayfriends.org to check availability.

To get started, complete the Reservation Form here.

Five important details to have ready:

  1. Date
  2. Times (set-up included)
  3. Rooms you would like to rent
  4. Initial guest count
  5. Event type/table and chair set up style

Step 2: Work out the Details

Arrange a time to speak with our booking manager to discuss your needs. An actual walk through the facility is recommended, but that might not be possible for those based out of the local area.

This is a good time to discuss your specific needs, the amenities offered, and if you have any additional requests that may require special arrangements.

After details of the event are finalized with the booking manager, and the Rental Terms and Conditions have been carefully reviewed and accepted, a rental deposit will need to be made. The reservation will be confirmed upon receipt of the rental deposit.

Step 3: Seven days before the event

Confirm attendance numbers with the booking manager to make sure that the appropriate amount of seating and other accommodations are ready.

Step 4: Day of your event

Set up can begin as early as the time specified on the rental agreement. If no one is confirmed to occupy the space prior to the specified set-up time, you may arrive earlier, with the consent of the booking manager. Staff will be on hand to aid with any questions. However, anything you bring of your own is your responsibility to set-up, take down, and remove after your event. The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center staff is only responsible for setting-up, taking down, and cleaning GLMHC property. If the GLMHC remains open longer than the initial specified time due to guests/tear-down, that time will be added to your rental total.

Step 5: Wrap-up and invoice

If any additional time has been added to your rental, the invoice will be adjusted by the booking manager. You can then pay the balance due to GLMHC staff in the Sanctuary Store on the day of the event.