Finding Aid: John McConnell Collection TBRC 22 & 23 Finding Aid: John McConnell Collection TBRC-22 & 23 Collection name: John McConnell Collection Collection number: TBRC-22 & 23 Dates: 1883-1917, 1981-1995 Quantity: TBRC-22 = 4 boxes; TBRC-23 = 14 boxes, 3 (4"- 3 ring) binders Provenance note: Local historical maritime research compiled by creator John McConnell, along with documentation gathered during his involvement in Michigan's underwater preserves, particularly Thunder Bay, Lake Huron. Collection was donated to library in 2009. Biographical & Historical Information: John McConnell is a maritime enthusiast, hobbyist, and diver who has devoted several years to researching the local historical maritime community including the lighthouse / life-saving stations and area shipwrecks. He, also, played a significant role in the area's underwater preserve designation and in the development of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (TBNMS). He has been a member of the Michigan Underwater Preserve Council, the Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse Preservation Society, and an advisory member to the TBNMS, and a vessel research member to the Great Lakes Maritime database managed through the library. Scope & Content: TBRC-22: Copies of Middle Island Life-Saving Station logbooks (1883-1917); TBNMS development activities (1993-95). TBRC-23: City of Alpena aerial photographs (1970s); Michigan Underwater Preserve Council Meeting papers; Michigan Underwater Salvage & Preserve Committee papers; local shipwreck research; steamer NEW ORLEANS Site Plan & Project documentation; TBNMS development documentation; local commercial fishing history; local maritime families. Access: Open for research. Preferred Citation: John McConnell Collection, Alpena County Geroge N. Fletcher Public Library.