In the spring of 1975, a group of avocational and professional marine heritage enthusiasts assembled to conduct an underwater archaeological investigation of the naval slip structure at the Historic Naval and Military Establishments in Penetanguishene, Ontario. At a subsequent meeting in November of that year, the project participants gathered in Tobermory to prepare a report on the work and hold discussions concerning the protection of Ontario's marine heritage resources. As a result of that meeting, a submission to the Heritage Division of the Ontario Ministry of Culture and Recreation was drafted. The document identified heritage protection issues and problems, a number of proposed solutions, and a list of recommendations. In the fall of 1975 a shipwreck near Hope Island in Georgian Bay was discovered. In keeping with its own recommendations made to the Ontario government, a member of the group applied for an archaeological license (the first application for underwater archaeology to be made under the province's Heritage Act) to do a survey of the wreck in the spring of 1976. Most of the participants in the naval slip investigation participated in the Hope Island wreck project. The group met in Tobermory in November, 1976 and again in the spring of 1977 at Ste. Marie-among-the-Hurons in Midland to initiate the formation of an organization dedicated to Ontario's marine heritage. On March 12, 1977 the informal alliance of like-minded individuals officially became the Ontario Marine Heritage Committee (OMHC), "supporting the research, interpretation and preservation of Ontario's marine heritage." There were eleven charter members. Members participated in projects and met in the fall and spring of each year. In October, 1979 a constitution and by-laws for the OMHC were adopted. In 1989 the organization received associate membership in the Ontario Historical Society and with it, incorporation as a not-for-profit association. The OMHC logo was introduced in 1987. It is based on the capstan cover - a compass rose - from the Port Stanley wreck, the subject of an OMHC archaeological investigation. Since its formation, the OMHC has supported and been actively involved in over twenty research projects around the province. Areas of study include submerged prehistoric shorelines, caves and portage sites, shipwrecks, comparative surveys, resource monitoring and early port documentation. Members have presented over two dozen training workshops and seminars, and have been actively involved in government-sponsored reviews of heritage legislation and regulations. Membership numbers have varied over the years between fifteen and thirty, and a number of the original participants are still active. Meetings continue to be held twice per year, with the Annual General Meeting occurring in the fall. New members who support the goals, objectives and ethical standards of the organization are welcome. Annual dues (2008-09) are $20. 2008 - 2009 Executive:
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