Valerie van Heest is an underwater explorer, award-winning author, and museum exhibit designer based in Holland, Michigan. She also serves on the board of the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association, where she has spearheaded the discovery of 20 shipwrecks off West Michigan and has directed the archeological investigations of over 50 shipwrecks. Her work earned her induction to the Women Divers Hall of Fame.
Valerie is the author of eight books and numerous magazine articles, the curator and designer of numerous museum exhibits through her firm Lafferty van Heest & Associates, and she has appeared in countless print, television, and radio news stories as well as in televisions features on National Geographic, and the History, Science, and Travel Channels. She is a regular guest speaker sharing the stories of her adventures and discoveries in ways that educate, entertain, and inspire.
She is the 2025 Historian of the Year for the Detroit Marine Historical Society, and a recipient of honors from the Association for Great Lakes Maritime History, the Michigan Historical Society, and the Daughters of the American Revolution for her contributions to preserving and promoting Great Lakes maritime heritage. New Trier East High School inducted her into its Alumni Hall of Honor in 2026.
Exploring Great Lakes Shipwrecks
Interpreting the past for the present
Writing Books and Articles
Read Valerie’s award-winning books
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Sharing Her Adventures
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Shedule a Program at your conference of your museum, library, senior center, church or club. |
Designing Museum Exhibits
Whether a maritime or other topics, Valerie’s firms provides full service curatorial, design, fabrication, and installation services.
