Explore the Deep: Virtual Dive Days at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center

Virtual Dive Days are coming to the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center this April! For many, this will be a fun new way to experience Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, offering a high-tech window into the “Shipwreck Alley” of Lake Huron.

Event Details

• Dates: Tuesday, April 21 | Monday, April 27 | Thursday, April 30

• Location: Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center located at 500 W. Fletcher Street in downtown Alpena, Michigan

• Cost: Free and open to all ages!

What to Expect

Step into a special exhibit that allows you to put on a virtual reality headset and experience shipwreck exploration from a scuba diver’s perspective. While shipwrecks are powerful pieces of history, they aren’t always easy to access, unlike a lighthouse. Shipwrecks require specialized gear and training to visit in person. Virtual Dive Days will help bridge the gap. The lake floor comes to you, allowing life-like exploration of these underwater treasures — minus the “splash” part.

The Science Behind the VR

Ever wonder how we bring these massive structures come to life on a screen? It’s all thanks to photogrammetry.

• What is it? Photogrammetry is the process of using thousands of individual photos to create a true-to-scale, digital model.

• Why we use it: It allows archaeologists to document shipwrecks in incredible detail, which is vital for ongoing site management and archaeology.

• The Result: These 3D models can be transformed into immersive VR experiences, stunning videos, and even physical art.

Plan to check out this cutting-edge technology that is opening the door to the past.