Second Wave Progress: Bright New Sign Lights the Way for the Bettcher Wing

Visitors arriving at the National Museum of the Great Lakes will now see our Second Wave Expansion glowing with pride—literally. Freshly installed illuminated signage on the Larry and Karen Bettcher Wing now greets guests, celebrating the couple whose lead gift launched the entire project from dream to reality.

The Bettchers’ early, visionary support set the tone for a campaign built on community generosity. Today we extend our thanks not only to Larry and Karen but also to every donor who has helped bring 5,000 square feet of new galleries, gathering spaces, and dedicated space for education to life.

The new wing includes:

• Great Lakes Community Education Center supported by:

  • Anderson Foundation

  • Drs. Hollis & Mary Merrick III

  • In honor of Donald R. “Russ” & Madeline B. Dahlburg

• Temporary Exhibit Gallery — Supported by Kiemle-Hankins

• Alexander & Marilyn Cook Leadership Center

• World Group Foundation Gallery featuring new exhibits:

  • Every Boat Tells Our Story (Bob Sellers Model Collection)

  • St. Marys Challenger pilothouse experience, with generous support from the Schoonmaker Foundation

• William & Pamela Davis Family Community Plaza

• Cliffs Great Lakes Maritime Park

• First Temporary Exhibit — presented by Buckeye Broadband & The Blade

From new artifacts to interactive experiences, every square foot of the expansion embodies our mission to share Great Lakes stories with the world. Stay tuned as we add final touches ahead of our grand opening on Saturday, June 28.

We can’t wait to welcome you—under the glow of our new sign—into a bigger, bolder museum made possible by donors who believe in preserving Great Lakes history.