Michigan § 399.404 - Maritime museum; operation; purpose; programs; emphasis; dissemination of information; training personnel; library; removal, sale, or transfer of history-related property.

The department's bureau of history shall operate the maritime museum as part of its statewide museum system.

The maritime museum shall be dedicated to maritime preservation and education.

The programs undertaken at the maritime museum shall include research, restoration, and conservation efforts, with the intent of preserving and interpreting maritime history and culture, both in material and documentary forms.

The regional emphasis of the maritime museum shall be on the Great Lakes area, with special attention given to the Lake Michigan coastal zone and the subject of the evolution of Great Lakes watercraft.

The programs presented at the maritime museum may include those that recognize the effect of changes in the water, air, shoreline, and marine life upon the maritime history of the Great Lakes region and that promote a sense of awareness and understanding of Great Lakes environmental issues.

The department may disseminate information concerning maritime matters to the public in relevant forms, including, but not limited to, maritime museum publications, seminars, special exhibits, and public presentations such as boat building classes.

As part of its maritime museum program, the department may train persons in the areas of maritime research, interpretation, and preservation.

The department shall maintain and operate a maritime library at the maritime museum. This program shall be known as the Marialyce Canonie Great Lakes research library.

All documents, artifacts, vessels, and other history-related property given to the department under section 101 shall not at any time be permanently removed from the maritime museum, sold, or transferred.