This museum store supports shipwreck research and more.A simple retail ask brought Sarah Jacques to tears.
Some family members of the 29 men lost aboard the SS Edmund Fitzgerald during its sinking wondered if the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum gift shop could create a commemorative T-shirt bearing their loved ones’ names. The result, featuring artwork by a regional artist, became one of the store’s most meaningful and best-selling items.
“We wanted to make sure it was led by the families and done respectfully,” says Jacques, the museum store manager.
“It really is a source of pride, and everyone who works here feels that.”— Sarah Jacques
That level of care informs how Jacques buys for the Shipwreck Coast Museum Store, located at Whitefish Point in Paradise, Michigan, on a remote stretch of Lake Superior where history is preserved with purpose.
Every item, from books and apparel to souvenirs and children’s gifts, supports the mission of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society: to preserve maritime sites, honor those who served and tell the stories of lost vessels.
“What we’re doing here is making an impact on our community, its history and our research and education efforts,” says Jacques. “It really is a source of pride, and everyone who works here feels that.”
A ripple effectThe impact of gift shop sales runs deep, with over 80,000 visitors traveling to the site each year. Their purchases help fund restoration projects across the historic campus. Proceeds also support active discovery.
The society’s research vessel continues to explore Lake Superior, uncovering and documenting shipwrecks — 15 in the past five years alone. “The amazing crew are out there on the lake all the time looking for and documenting wrecks, and our store’s sales help with their efforts,” Jacques says.
At the same time, the shop remains grounded in the visitor experience. Value-minded souvenirs, children’s books and regionally relevant merchandise, from lighthouse memorabilia to birding titles, ensure accessibility for families while staying true to the destination.
Jacques leans into customers’ ideas for souvenirs and gifts, which is how the commemorative shirt came to be.
For Jacques, these connections and the memories families take home with them are personal. “This is the absolute best place to work because we’re doing something really meaningful,” she says.
Winner: Shipwreck Coast Museum Store
Location: Paradise, MI
Store Manager: Sarah Jacques
Sunshine Awards recognize retail stores in our industry that are making a difference through charitable donations and efforts. Is your store worthy of an award? We’d love to hear from you! Complete an entry form at www.sgnmag.com/sunshine-award. |
