Archive for October, 2007

Valerie van Heest Receives 2007 State History Award from the Historical Society of Michigan

Monday, October 1st, 2007

The Historical Society of Michigan presented its 2007 State History Awards at the 133rd annual State History Conference held in Macomb County, Michigan, September 28-30. Fifteen awards were presented in a variety categories. Valerie van Heest received the Distinguished Volunteer Service Award for her efforts to document, interpret, and preserve Michigan’s underwater maritime heritage, as well as for her educational outreach to both sport divers and the general public.

After playing an instrumental role in establishing the Southwest Michigan Underwater Preserve, Van Heest co-founded Michigan Shipwreck Research Associates in 2001.