Best Website on Great Lakes Regional Culture in 2002

The award for the Best Website on Great Lakes Regional Culture in 2002 went to the Wisconsin's Great Lakes Shipwrecks website. This site is a joint project of the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute and Wisconsin Historical Society. It was selected because of its exceptionally high quality of content. Launched in 1996, the website collects and disseminates valuable information which contributes to the understanding of the cultural and social history of Wisconsin's maritime heritage. For example, the website features descriptions of the history and fate of 22 historic shipwrecks, 17 video clips, a glossary of nautical terms, and links to about 50 other online sources of related information as well as Great Lakes diving safety information. The partners explain that the objective of this exciting project is "to promote a better public appreciation for the historical and cultural value of the shipwrecks in state waters, while encouraging responsible use and preservation of these sites among recreational divers."