News Photo by Steve Schulwitz The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena has been closed for well over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has given no indication on when the maritime museum will be allowed to open.

ALPENA — The closure of the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena due to the COVID-19 pandemic has caused more than 100,000 people to be turned away from the museum and educational center, officials say.

Federal museums in Washington D.C. are open to the public, albeit with precautions in place, but thus far the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has given no indication on when the center in Alpena will be allowed to reopen.

A request for comment to NOAA Public Affairs Specialist Kate Brogan went unanswered.

Like much of the nation at the time, the heritage center was forced to close its doors to the public last spring to prevent the spread of the pandemic. A banner with large black letters which reads ‘closed temporarily’ was placed outside of the facility.

The sign remains there, alerting those wanting to experience the interactive museum.

Congressman Jack Bergman, a Republican from Watersmeet, who represents all of northern Michigan, sent a letter to NOAA Administrator Richard Spinrad expressing his concern about the facility remaining closed and asking for it, and other NOAA facilities, to reopen.

“Buildings like the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center have been closed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, frustrating those who wish to visit the sanctuary and enjoy the exhibits,” Bergman’s letter says, “Especially now, as the summer season has come to an end, and outdoor and water activities are not available, it is important these public institutions are once again accessible to the public. It is possible to safely open these facilities and I encourage NOAA to act quickly on this matter and work with the local community to develop a path forward.”

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D- Bloomfield Township, has reached out to NOAA and is in close contact with the federal agency about the heritage center and other NOAA facilities, according to Peters’ office.

Jeff Gray, superintendent of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, said the sanctuary and heritage center are key to providing visitors and residents a place to explore and learn about the area’s aquatic and maritime history. He said having the heritage center closed, impacts not only recreation and education, but also the local economy.

Gray said losing two summer seasons means the heritage center missed out on having well over 100,000 visitors. Despite that, he said, the health of those who visit and work have to be protected.

“We understand the importance of the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center to the economy and quality of life of the region,” Gray said. “The staff is working diligently behind the scenes to ensure that we are ready to serve the public once we are approved to re-open. The safety and well being of the community is the agency’s top priority.”