National Museum of the Great Lakes Opens New Exhibit Currents of Change on Earth Day
April 15, 2026 (Toledo, Ohio) – The National Museum of the Great Lakes will debut its newest temporary exhibit, Currents of Change: The Living History of the Great Lakes, on April 22, 2026—Earth Day—inviting visitors to explore the powerful environmental stories that have shaped the region for centuries.
Presented by the John and Virginia Hankison Foundation, Currents of Change takes visitors on a compelling journey through the forces that define the Great Lakes. From beavers that transformed early economies to invasive species and harmful algal blooms, the exhibit reveals how human activity and natural ecosystems have continuously collided—and collaborated—across time.
Through immersive storytelling and engaging interpretation, visitors will encounter moments of struggle, resilience, and renewal while gaining a deeper understanding of the science, conservation efforts, and community action that continue to shape the future of the Great Lakes.
“This exhibit brings together the ecological history of the Great Lakes in a way that is both accessible and deeply impactful,” said Carrie Sowden, Director of Archaeology and Research at the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “By connecting past decisions to present challenges, Currents of Change helps visitors see their role in the ongoing story of these vital freshwater systems.”
On view through October 18, 2026, the exhibit will be housed in the museum’s Temporary Exhibit Gallery and is included with museum admission.
Throughout the exhibit’s run, the museum will offer a variety of educational programs and events designed to deepen engagement with the topics explored in Currents of Change. Additional details and programming announcements will be shared in the coming months. For more information, visit nmgl.org.
About the National Museum of the Great Lakes: The National Museum of the Great Lakes preserves, shares, and celebrates the past, present, and future of the Great Lakes story. As an interactive, experiential museum, we offer visitors the chance to explore thousands of years of history and stories through nine dynamic exhibit galleries—including a rotating temporary exhibition space—and two historic museum vessels, the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and the Museum Tug Ohio, plus the pilothouse of the storied St. Marys Challenger.
Founded in 1944 as the Great Lakes Historical Society, we have a long-standing commitment to education, research, and storytelling. Our initiatives include the publication of Inland Seas®, a quarterly journal of Great Lakes history since 1945 and decades of maritime preservation and archaeological exploration. Today, we strive to be the gathering place for Great Lakes conversations—welcoming all to connect with the stories, people, and innovations that have shaped and continue to influence this vital region.
WHAT: Currents of Change: The Living History of the Great Lakes
WHEN: April 22 – October 18, 2026
WHERE: National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St., Toledo, OH 43605
ADMISSION: $20.00 (Museum & Ship) / $14.00 (Museum Only) – Adults (18-64)
$18.00 (Museum & Ship) / $12.00 (Museum Only) – Seniors (65+)
$14.00 (Museum & Ship) / $8.00 (Museum Only) – Youth (6-17)
FREE – Children 5 and under, GLHS/NMGL Members/Museums for All
MEDIA CONTACT: Ashley Streichert Lovejoy, 419-460-8181
