Museum’s Free Lecture Series Returns This Fall; Ethical Logging on the Great Lakes is the First Topic

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Tuesday, September 19, 2023 (Toledo, Ohio) – October will bring the return of the popular National Museum of the Great Lakes lecture series. The 2023 Fall Lecture Series kicks off Thursday, October 5 at 7 p.m. with Natalie Cypher, Educator of the Michigan DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, presenting about the impact of logging along the Great Lakes.

“Having a naturalist, educator, and all-around wildlife enthusiast with such a deep understanding of Great Lakes logging history speak will be a rich addition to our lecture series,” said Carrie Sowden, the museum’s Archaeological and Research Director who also oversees the museum’s lecture series. “Cypher is both a great informational resource and a great environmental educator, stringing together more than a century of natural resource management’s importance in the Great Lakes region.”

In a hmana.org article featuring Cypher, she talked about her love for her work. “I feel beyond fortunate regularly that my work allows me to combine several passions—my love of nature, with teaching and sharing. I have worked for many years in Interpretation and Environmental
Education in the metro-Detroit area.” For her museum lecture, Cypher will present Logging and the Birth of a Land Ethic, which uncovers the roots of logging across the Great Lakes states and explains how it pushed natural resource management to evolve over the decades.

The second installment of the 2023 Fall Lecture Series, Ford Motor Company—A Great Lakes Manufacturer: Manufacturing Men and Machines in the Pursuit of the First Universal Car, will take place on Wednesday, October 25. Senior Lakelorian and Program Director for American Queen Cruiselines’ onboard historical lecture series, Ian Ross, will come ashore to present.

The fall series concludes on November 15 with a presentation on Dugout Canoes of Wisconsin. To accommodate all who would like to participate, the events will be hybrid, allowing for both in-person and Zoom attendance. Because of their popularity, registration for all lectures, although free, is required. Donations are encouraged and can be given upon registration. For more information on our full line-up for our Fall Lecture Series or to register to join the events, visit nmgl.org/event.

Maritime-Themed Music, Movement, and Reading Program Returns to Museum This Fall for Children Ages Birth–6 Years

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Wednesday, September 13, 2023 (Toledo, Ohio) –

Capt. Scupper’s Songfest: Maritime Music and Movement returns to the National Museum of the Great Lakes at 10:30 a.m. on three Saturdays this fall. The small group activity, presented by Sing into Reading and sponsored in part by Craig’s Keyboards, was developed especially with children ages birth–6 years in mind. Little ones will spend 30 minutes exploring maritime themes through music and movement with a parent or caregiver, followed by open play in the Museum and its “Port of Play.”

“We are so excited to welcome back instructor Risa Beth Cohen of Sing into Reading for our Capt. Scupper’s Songfest class,” said Ellen Kennedy, the museum’s Education and Visitor Experience Director. “Both the kids and their parents loved the combination of music, movement, reading, and maritime theming. It’s an honor to introduce the Great Lakes to the next generation in such a fun way.”

Risa Beth Cohen, Founder and Creative Director of Sing into Reading, has been teaching Music and Movement to children since 1994 and holds an M.S.Ed. in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from Bank Street College. She taught Music/Literacy in NYC public schools before moving to Toledo, where she spent 10 years as the Music/Literacy Co-Curricular for 3–6 year-olds at West Side Montessori.

Each Capt. Scupper’s Songfest class is limited to 20 kids and their grownups and is designed for ages birth to 6. Registration is $5 per class for NMGL member children and $15 per class for non-member children (non-member price includes museum-only admission for one adult and child). The program is also offered for free to individuals who qualify for NMGL’s Museums for All access initiative thanks, in part, to support from Craigs Keyboards. Capacity is limited, so advance registration is encouraged. Get more information on Museums for All at: bit.ly/MuseumsforallNMGL. For additional event information visit nmgl.org/events or call 419-214-5000.

Register on Eventbrite

Not an NMGL member? Consider a membership that includes year-long and seasonal access to the museum, museum store, program discounts, and more. Visit nmgl.org/membership to learn more.

* This program is available for free to individuals who qualify for Museums For All—a new access program at the National Museum of the Great Lakes where those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can gain free or reduced admission using their SNAP EBT card. Click here for more information on NMGL’s Museums For All program.

ABOUT THIS PROGRAM’S SUPPORTER: This program is brought to you in part by Criag’s Keyboards. Since 1971, Craig’s Keyboards has been providing new and used pianos and digital pianos to private owners and institutions in Northwest Ohio. Thanks to the generosity of Craig’s Keyboards, the museum is able to continue Captain Scuppers Songfest’s early childhood literacy-base program, while working to make it more accessible.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Risa Beth Cohen is the Founder and Creative Director of Sing into Reading, where you can teach your child to read with music and love. She has been teaching Music and Movement to children since 1994. She holds an M.S.Ed. in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from Bank Street College. As a classroom teacher, Risa taught kindergarten and first grade in NYC public schools, where her classroom served as a lab site for Writing Workshop. Risa studied at The Reading and Writing Project at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she served on leadership groups. After discovering music and movement to be the “secret ingredient” to encouraging literacy, Risa taught Music/Literacy in NYC public schools. Then, after moving to Toledo, OH, she served West Side Montessori for ten years as the Music/Literacy Co-Curricular for 3 – 6 year-olds. Risa offers classes for children, parents, and educators, and is a sought-after speaker at edu-events of all sorts.

Tour the Research Vessel R/V Blue Heron

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Tuesday, August 8, 2023 (Toledo, Ohio) – On Sunday, August 20, the National Museum of the Great Lakes welcomes the largest U.S. Academic Research Fleet vessel on the Great Lakes, the R/V Blue Heron. Operated by the Large Lakes Observatory at the University of Minnesota Duluth, the R/V Blue Heron is well-equipped for research and has berthing for 11 crew and scientists. NMGL members and the general public will have a chance to climb aboard to tour the vessel and meet its crew and science personnel.

“This is an exciting event where we open up the vessel to the public and allow them to see, first-hand, what happens on a research vessel,” explained R/V Blue Heron Marine Superintendent Doug Ricketts. “The crew and science personnel are stationed around the vessel and talk to visitors, explaining their research project and the portion of the ship that the visitor has entered.” Ellen Kennedy, the museum’s Education and Visitor Experience Director said, “This is such a great opportunity for our members, lake enthusiasts, and anyone interested in marine research to learn about the important work done by the Large Lakes Observatory.”

Registration is required for this event. Research vessel entry is limited to 20 individuals at a time, so advanced registration is recommended. Day-of signups will only be available if space allows. NMGL members will be given priority boarding from 10 a.m.-noon. General admission will follow during regular museum hours from noon-5 p.m. FREE access to this special event is included for GLHS/NMGL members, Museums for All/SNAP participants*, and those who purchase museum admission for the day of the program.

Register on Eventbrite

Not an NMGL member? Consider a membership that includes year-long and seasonal access to the museum, museum store, program discounts, and more. Visit nmgl.org/membership to learn more.

* This program is available for free to individuals who qualify for Museums For All—a new access program at the National Museum of the Great Lakes where those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can gain free or reduced admission using their SNAP EBT card. Click here for more information on NMGL’s Museums For All program.

 

About the R/V Blue Heron: Built in 1985 for fishing on the Grand Banks, Blue Heron was purchased by the University of Minnesota in 1997, and converted into a limnological research vessel with the ability to hold 11 crew and scientists. It now conducts limnological research on the five Great Lakes throughout the ice-free season including water and sediment sampling and analysis, sensor launching and retrieval, and radar/sonar scanning. In addition to its research capabilities, the ship also hosts public science outreach and education events in Duluth and other communities. Click here for more information.

About the Large Lakes Observatory: The Large Lakes Observatory (LLO) has a unique mission- study the largest lakes in the world. Researchers from the LLO have studied lakes in East Africa, central Asia, Central and South America, and our backyard, the Great Lakes. The LLO operates RV Blue Heron and researchers from around the country use the vessel to study the lakes. Click here for more information.

2023 Capt. Scupper's Crew Life Banner

New Career Exploration Program Offers Tweens and Teens On-Deck Lake Experience

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Tuesday, July 18, 2023 (Toledo, Ohio) – On Saturday, August 5, the National Museum of the Great Lakes launches Captain Scupper’s Crew Life, a new career exploration program for kids to discover what it is like to work on a lake freighter. When school-aged explorers sign up for the program, they will join a junior crew and be given a special guided tour of our docked museum ship, the Col. James M. Schoonmaker. Ship jobs and crew roles will be highlighted along the way as junior crew members enjoy a day in the life of a lake freighter crew. 

“Kids love to dream about what they want to be when they grow up, and we want to start making those dreams come true early, ” said Ellen Kennedy, the museum’s Education and Visitor Experience Director. “Seeing just how massive an actual hull is and feeling a ship’s helm in your own hands are moments that inspire. Through Captain Scupper’s Crew Life program, we’re bringing a new generation of lake enthusiasts on board to have fun while learning the importance of the shipping industry.”

Each 15-member junior crew will climb aboard at one of three program times: 11:00, 1:00, or 3:00. This is a FREE program for GLHS/NMGL members, Museums for All/SNAP participants, and those who purchase a Museum & Ship Admission for the day of the program. To provide a small-group learning experience, registration is requested with day-of signups only available if space remains. This is not a drop-off event, so junior Schoonmaker crew members need to bring a first mate/grown-up aboard with them. 

Captain Scupper’s Crew Life is part of the museum’s growing youth programming, which also includes Captain Scupper’s Tug Life for ages 3-8 and Captain Scupper’s Songfest, a literacy-based music and movement class for ages 0-6. For more information and to register for the program, visit nmgl.org/event or call 419-214-5000.

Great Lakes Fest Celebrates History with Return of the Toledo Antique & Classic Boat Show

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Thursday, June 15, 2023 (Toledo, Ohio) – The National Museum of the Great Lakes and Ramsey Brothers Restoration are proud to announce they are teaming up to host Great Lakes Fest featuring the return of the Toledo Antique and Classic Boat Show this summer on Saturday, July 22.

“From 2007 to 2018 the Toledo Antique & Classic Boat Show grew from a small gathering of enthusiasts to a multi-day extravaganza,” shares Scott Ramsey, of Toledo-based Ramsey Brothers Restorations. “After a couple years hiatus, we look forward to bringing back the show in partnership with the National Museum of the Great Lakes, and we have been excited to see the growing interest in boater registration since it officially opened a few weeks ago.”

In 2019 the Antique and Classic Boat Show took a hiatus from a Toledo-based event and then, in 2020, the pandemic struck, lengthening its pause. In 2022, Ramsey Brothers Restoration supported a smaller showing of boats during an inaugural Great Lakes Fest event hosted by the museum that brought over 400 visitors to its grounds and sparked the return to this summer’s larger show. This year’s event is supported by a new volunteer team co-chaired by Tim Goligoski and Sean Harold.

“Last year’s Great Lakes Fest event was a day-long celebration that provided us with a wonderful opportunity to champion Great Lakes history,” says Kate Fineske, the museum’s Senior Director of Institutional Advancement. “With the grand opening of phase 2 of the Glass City Metropark and more and more individuals recognizing our extraordinary riverfront, there is no better moment than now to bring back the full tradition of the Toledo Antique and Classic Boat Show.”

Great Lakes Fest featuring the Toledo Antique & Classic Boat Show will take place from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on July 22. Tickets to join the day-long Great Lakes Fest celebration are FREE for National Museum of the Great Lakes members and children under 6, and $10 (pre-sale) or $15 (day-of) for all others. Admission includes full access to The National Museum of the Great Lakes and museum vessels, all land and water boat show displays, live demonstrations, maritime vendors, food trucks, family activities and more.

The boat show is open to classic boats of all types, but particularly focused on those built prior to 1975 or modern re-creations. Boater registration is $50 per boat / $25 each additional boat by July 15 or $65 after that deadline and includes two tickets to the boat show and Friday night reception on the Col James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, as well as a gift bag and official show T-shirt.

For additional event details, to pre-purchase tickets, or to apply to be a Great Lakes Fest Marine Mart vendor, Food Truck or Community Partner visit www.nmgl.org/GreatLakesFest2023 or call 419-214-5000. For more information on registering a boat visit www.toledoboatshow.com.

2023 Tug Life Event Web Banner

Children invited to Explore Great Lakes History in New ‘Junior Tugboat Crew’ Program

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Tuesday, June 13, 2023 (Toledo, Ohio) – On Saturday, June 24, The National Museum of the Great Lakes launches Captain Scuppers Tug Life, a new activity for preschool and early elementary-aged children to learn more about the inner workings of Great Lakes tugboats.  

“Finding new ways to engage our youth in Great Lakes history helps us continue the legacy of our mission,” shares Ellen Kennedy, the museum’s Education and Visitor Experience Director. “Our new tug-themed day is ideal for children ages 3-10. It allows them to explore a real tugboat by stepping on board the Museum Tug Ohio and invites them to join our ‘Junior Tugboat Crew” adventure guided by the museum’s original children’s book, The Adventures of Kitty Smoke and Her Friends.”

The hour-long activity is offered multiple times beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 24 and then again on Saturday, August 10. It is FREE for members or included with the price of museum-ship combo admission. This program is also an eligible free program for Museums For All participants, a new access program at the National Museum of the Great Lakes where those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can gain free or reduced admission using their SNAP EBT card. Each group is limited to 10 kids and their grownup(s), and due to the small group learning, registration is required and advanced registration is recommended. Day of signup is only available if space remains.

Captain Scupper’s Tug Life is part of the museum’s growing youth programming including Captain Scuppers Songfest (a literacy-based music and movement class for ages 0-6) and a soon-to-be-launch “Crew Life” activity for tweens and teens exploring Great Lakes careers. For more information and to register to participate visit nmgl.org/event or call 419-214-5000.

CAC Certification Announcement Banner 2023

Museum Achieves Autism Certification and Partnership with National Autism Sailing Program

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Thursday, May 25, 2023 (Toledo, Ohio) – The National Museum of the Great Lakes proudly announces the recent completion of autism training and certification through IBCCES designating them as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC). 

“Statistics show that 1 in 6 people have sensory needs and 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism. The National Museum of the Great Lakes is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all individuals,” explains Ellen Kennedy, the Musuem’s Education and Visitor Experience Director. “Our team of staff and volunteers have completed hours of autism sensitivity and awareness training to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to better understand and communicate with those who may have sensory sensitivities.”

In connection to achieving this certification, the museum has been actively searching for ways to increase partnerships with organizations supporting autistic individuals. This led to preliminary conversations with Spectrum Sailing—a nonprofit organization providing maritime education, programming and outreach for autistic children. 

“When we discovered that Spectrum Sailing was expanding their 3-day sailing camp to numerous stops on the Great Lakes and that the Toledo-area would be host to one such camp, we gladly jumped onboard,” shares Kate Fineske who oversees the museum’s community partnership work. “We plan to actively participate in this year’s camp, hosted by North Cape Yacht Club from June 13 – 16, and are offering a FREE Day at the museum for campers, their families and all the applicants who submitted registrations.

Moving forward, the National Museum of the Great Lakes plans to continue their support of the sailing program and grow their autism spectrum partnership work in Toledo and the Great Lakes region. By completing the CAC program, the National Museum of the Great Lakes joins Destination Toledo’s initiative to achieve the Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) designation, which IBCCES awards to cities with a variety of trained and certified lodging, entertainment, and recreation organizations to better welcome travelers to the area.

Media interested in learning more about the National Museum of the Great Lakes, their partnership with Spectrum Sailing, or specifics related to their certification are encouraged to reach out directly to Kate Fineske at kate.fineske@nmgl.org or 419-214-5000 ext. 202.

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About the National Museum of the Great Lakes: Founded in 1944, the Great Lakes Historical Society has been preserving our shared cultural history by publishing a quarterly journal Inland Seas® since 1945; by operating a maritime museum since 1952; by offering educational programs to the general public since 1956; by conducting underwater archaeological research across the Great Lakes since 2001; and by managing the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship since 2014 and Museum Tug Ohio since 2019. The opening of the National Museum of the Great Lakes enables the Great Lakes Historical Society to continue its mission to preserve and make known the important history of the Great Lakes.

About Spectrum Sailing: Spectrum Sailing is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides maritime education, programming and outreach for autistic individuals through free sailing camps. After originating with one local program in Charleston, South Carolina, Spectrum Sailing has expanded every year since. The popular sailing camp is offered to autistic individuals at no cost thanks to the generosity of both the Autism and Sailing communities.

About IBCCES: Committed to providing The Global Standard For Training and Certification in The Field of Cognitive Disorders—IBCCES provides a series of certifications that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. These programs are recognized around the world as the leading benchmark for training and certification in the areas of autism and other cognitive disorders.

Museum’s Boats Reopen for Season; Museum Launches Initial Volunteers 1st Day

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Tuesday, April 25, 2023 (Toledo, Ohio) – On Monday, May 1st, the National Museum of the Great Lakes will reopen the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and Museum Tug Ohio for the 2023 season. That same day they will also welcome volunteers during a new “Volunteers 1st Day.” In addition, beginning in May the museum’s open hours will also increase from 6 to 7 days a week, Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“May 1 has always marked the beginning of our museum vessel season—but this year the date has increased significance as a way to celebrate and engage the community with our mission during “Volunteers 1st Day,” says Rebecca Gray, who oversees the museum’s volunteer initiative. “Volunteers are vital to the museum’s mission, and we are really focused on providing more opportunities to individuals interested in donating their time.

To help increase volunteer opportunities, on the first of every month the museum will host “drop in days” for volunteers to support our mission in various ways. In addition, a ‘Crew Connection’ newsletter has been developed and is being send out monthly to update volunteers on all the ways they can get involved.

The museum ships close annually over the winter months, re-opening for public tours only between May 1 and October 31. When open, visitors can climb onboard the 617-foot cargo ship and historic tug to experience what life was like on the lakes in the early 1900s while also visiting the museum galleries. The interior of the museum features awe-inspiring stories from our Great Lakes exhibited through breathtaking photography, over 300 incredible artifacts, a number of powerful audiovisual displays and 40 hands-on interactive exhibits.

To pre-purchase tickets for a museum visit, go to www.nmglstore.org. To learn more about
volunteering or to sign-up to volunteer visit: www. nmgl.org/volunteer.

Museum’s Next Lecture Delves into President Hayes History & Connection to the Great Lakes

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Thursday, March 9, 2023 (Toledo, Ohio) – On Wednesday, March 29, at 7 p.m. the National Museum of the Great Lakes will hold their second presentation of the 2023 Spring Lecture Series exploring president Rutherford B. Hayes and his family’s close ties to the Great Lakes. Presented by Dan Baker, the lecture explores topics such as the joint purchase of an island in Lake Erie and a family-owned, Lima-based Dart speed boat manufacturing company.

“During his third term as Ohio Governor, soon-to-be president Rutherford B. Hayes entered into a partnership with individuals to purchase Mouse Island,” says Carrie Sowden, the museum’s Archaeological and Research Director who oversees the lecture series. “This Island became a place for his entire family to fish, camp, and relax—highlighting just one of the many deep connections he had over his lifetime to the Great Lakes”

The lecturer’s presenter, Dan Baker, works at Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Libraries and Museums in Fremont, Ohio. He also instructs for the Terra State College Life Scholar’s program on a wide variety of historical subjects.

As in all the museum’s lectures, this presentation will be offered as a hybrid event using Zoom or in-person at the museum. Event registration is free, but required for all lectures. Donations are encouraged and can be given upon registration. For more information or to register, visit nmgl.org/events.

2023 Waving Through Time Banner

New Exhibit Taps into Museum’s Vast Nautical Flag Collection

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Thursday, February 16, 2023 (Toledo, Ohio) – The National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) is proud to introduce a brand new online and micro exhibit—Waving Through Time: Flags of the Sweetwater Seas. This 2-part exhibit highlighting commercial and recreational flags on the Great Lakes has  launched Part 1 today with a focus on the Great Lakes Industry. The online exhibit will feature six different series of flags that have helped commercial vessels thrive on the Great Lakes and throughout North America. 

“We are excited to tap into the National Museum of the Great Lakes’s vast collection to highlight the navigational symbols and house flags whose passage through our Sweetwater Seas helped build the world we live in today,” shares Carrie Sowden, the museum’s Archaeological and Research Director who also oversees the organization’s installation of temporary and micro-exhibits. 

“From company logos and signal flags to yachting association celebratory flags—we’re exploring their history and significance all year long,” continues Ring Lardner, NMGL’s Collections Coordinator who is the exhibit’s primary curator and researcher. “This spring, every couple weeks through April, we will introduce a new series of flags online who have helped Great Lakes commercial vessels thrive. Additionally, in mid-March, individuals can visit the museum to see some of the historical flags featured in the online exhibit through installation of an accompanying micro-exhibit meant to expand their stories and highlight related artifacts that further showcase their significance.”

Waving Through Time: Flags of the Sweetwater Seas will be available online for individuals to interact with all year. Part 2: Recreational Boating, will launch this fall and also feature an online and micro-exhibit—turning the exhibit’s focus on flags that have helped recreational sailors showcase their identity and communicate. 

To access the exhibit, visit nmgl.org/wavingthroughtime. The museum also encourages individuals to follow @NMGLToledo on social media and sign-up to receive emails to be notified throughout the year when each of the 12 new series and accompanying micro-exhibits launch.