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New Exhibit Taps into Museum’s Vast Nautical Flag Collection

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.

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Museum Releases Spring Lecture Line-up

February 9, 2023 (Toledo, Ohio) – On Wednesday, March 8 at 7 p.m. the National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) begins their annual spring lecture series by exploring the life of nineteenth century surveyor Admiral Henry Wolsey Bayfield.

“Considered a Master Chart Maker of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River, The Admiral’s navigational charts saved countless lives and literally mapped the way for settlement into our continent’s interior,” shares Carrie Sowden, the museum’s Archaeological and Research Director who also oversees the museum’s lecture series. “A naval officer, explorer, naturalist, and polymath, Bayfield, was one of the most extraordinary individuals of the nineteenth century and spent forty years of his life mapping Canada’s vast coasts and inland waterways.” 

The presenter, David Yates is an award-winning author and semi-retired teacher who resides in Goderich, Ontario. In addition, since 2007, his local history column has appeared regularly in Huron County (ON) papers and he has written several books on local Huron County History. Mr. Yates will be presenting virtually, but individuals who register for the lecture will have the option to watch him at the Museum during an in-person watch party and live-streamed question and answer session following the presentation. 

NMGL continues their Spring 2023 lecture series on March 29 in partnership with the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Libraries and Museums with “From Mouse to Dart—President Hayes Family History on the Great Lakes.” The final series presentation is scheduled for April 19 and explores individuals working to make the Great Lakes watershed cleaner by featuring scholar John Hartig, who authored the book “Great Lakes Champions: Grassroots Efforts to Clean Up Polluted Watersheds.” 

Over the past 2 years, since transitioning the lecture series to a hybrid-event format, the in-person lecture has regularly sold out and, at the same time, the museum has had up to 500 devices streaming the presentations live. Because of their popularity, registration for all lectures, although free, is required. Donations are encouraged and can be given upon registration. For more information or to register to join the events, visit nmgl.org/events.

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Museum Announces Access Program for Low-Income Individuals and Families

January 17, 2023 (Toledo, Ohio) – The National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) is pleased to announce it has joined Museums For All—a program providing free and reduced admission to those receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefits. With the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, museum visitors receive free admission to its 11,000 square-foot interior museum and $3 admission inclusive of the Museum Ships.

“Museums for All is a national, branded access program that encourages individuals of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum habits,” shares Ellen Kennedy, NMGL’s Education and Visitor Experience Director. “Standard admission to our museum ranges from $8-17. We recognize this can be a barrier for many low-income families and want to eliminate that barrier.”

By participating in Museums for All, the National Museum of the Great Lakes can offer access to a greater percentage of individuals. It is part of the museum’s broad commitment to seek, include, and welcome all audiences through their doors. The museum already offers various free programming, as well as educational field trip grants.

Museums for All is a program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), administered by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM). More than 850 institutions participate in the initiative, including art museums, children’s museums, science centers, botanical gardens, zoos, history museums, and more. Participating museums are located nationwide, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Virgin Islands.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

About Association of Children’s Museums (ACM)The Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) champions children’s museums worldwide. With more than 460 members in 50 states and 16 countries, ACM leverages the collective knowledge of children’s museums through convening, sharing, and dissemination. Learn more at www.childrensmuseums.org.

Free Museum Admission Banner 2022

Museum Celebrates Community with Free Admission

January 10, 2023 (Toledo, Ohio) – In the community improvement and service spirit of the Martin Luther King holiday, beginning Saturday, January 14, through Monday, January 16th, The National Museum of the Great Lakes will open their doors for FREE in recognition of the support visitors, members and community partners have shown over the years. 

“We will be celebrating the re-opening after our annual cleaning shutdown as well as welcoming a new year with an extended weekend of FREE admission, ” shares National Museum of the Great Lakes Education and Visitor Experience Director Ellen Kennedy. “We love showing off our incredible facilities and couldn’t think of a better way to enter 2023 than offering this.”

The museum originally introduced Community Appreciation Days in 2021 after being inspired to give back to those who generously continued to support our mission with the onset of the pandemic. “We appreciate all the support our community provides and are always looking for ways to connect more people with Great Lakes history as well as say thank you,” adds Kate Fineske, the museum’s Senior Director of Institutional Advancement. 

Museum admission is always free for members, with non-member museum-only admission ranging from $8 – 11. Over Martin Luther King Day weekend the museum will be open from 10 – 5 p.m. on Saturday and Monday and Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday with free admission for all visitors. 

Although not required, individuals may reserve their free tickets by pre-ordering and scheduling their visit online at nmgl.org/events. For more information on visitation, visit us online or call 419-214-5000. 

Museum Kicks Off 2023 Great Lakes Book Club

December 29th, 2022 (Toledo, Ohio) – The National Museum of the Great Lakes is kicking off 2023 programming season with our virtual lunchtime Great Lakes Book Club, featuring three books meant to provide new insights into our nation’s inland seas. The museum is encouraging interested participants to grab their own lunch and join others online for three monthly guided discussions held Tuesdays at noon on January 31, February 28, and March 28. 

“We created this book club last year as a great way to get people to engage and learn more about the Great Lakes,” shares Ellen Kennedy, Education and Visitor Experience Director at the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “This year we choose three different books that span from non-fiction to fiction, and cover a wide range of historical and contemporary topics about the Great Lakes. So whether you’re a boat-nerd, history buff, or nature-lover, there is a little something for everyone.”

The featured books for this year include: Floating Palaces of the Great Lakes by Joel Stone (January), The Death and Life of the Great Lakes by Dan Egan (February), and Sisters of Sweetwater Fury by Kinley Bryan (March). On January 31, author Joel Stone, will join in on the discussion to answer questions and provide insight into his book’s topic.Registration to participate in the Great Lakes book club is FREE but also required. Participants can choose to purchase the book(s) at the museum store by visiting the museum in person or by shopping online at nmglstore.org. For more information on book club events or to register to participate, visit nmgl.org/events.

The 2022 Christmas Tree Ship is CANCELED

Wednesday, November 30, 2022 (Toledo, Ohio)  – Due to forecasted high winds, the National Museum of the Great Lakes has made the tough decision to cancel our annual Christmas Tree Ship event which was scheduled to take place from 1-4 p.m. Individuals who purchased a tree for themselves will still be able to pick up their tree at the museum from 1 – 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 3 or can receive a full refund. 

Additionally, the museum will still be collecting donations towards gift cards for holiday needs in support of East Toledo Family Center,  Family House, Lucas County Children’s Services, and Sylvania Area Family Services. To donate holiday gift card support us online at our event page or call 419-214-5000. Anyone who donates towards a gift card online, over the phone, or at the museum will receive free admission to the museum on Saturday, December 3 or Sunday, December 4.

DONATE HOLIDAY SUPPORT HERE.

2022 Christmas Tree Ship Holiday Tradition (EVENT CANCELED)

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November 11, 2022 (Toledo, Ohio) – On Saturday, December 3 from 1-4pm the National Museum of the Great Lakes will welcome the arrival of the Christmas Tree Ship. Together in partnership with Geo. Gradel Co., individuals are invited to purchase a Christmas Tree for themselves or a family in need and then watch Santa arrive with a boatload of trees.

“On November 23, 1912, the schooner Rouse Simmons sank while carrying Christmas trees,” shares Ellen Kennedy, the museum’s Director of Education and Visitor Experience. “Known as the Christmas Tree Ship, her captain, lovingly referred to as “Captain Santa”, was remembered for giving trees to families in need.”

Inspired by the original Christmas Tree Ship tale, participants can pre-purchase a live Christmas Tree for themselves and/or donate a tree or gift card to a family in need. The museum has partnered with United Way of Greater Toledo and 2-1-1 and are working with East Toledo Family Center, Family House, Lucas County Children’s Services, and Sylvania Area Family Services to distribute trees and holiday support to families in need.

This year, in collaboration with the East Toledo community, the museum will host the event in the afternoon to encourage visitors to participate in the neighboring East Toledo Holiday Parade beginning at 11 a.m. and traveling along East Broadway and Starr Avenue.

This is a FREE outdoor event and will be open to the general public. In addition, admission to the museum exhibits will be free for all who purchase a tree, donate a tree, or donate towards a gift card. To learn more about the event, purchase a tree for yourself or a family in need, or donate holiday gift card support visit nmgl.org/events or call 419-214-5000. Individuals interested in learning more about receiving a donated tree are encouraged to call 2-1-1.

Museum Hosts Exclusive Tours in Honor of S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald Tragic Anniversary

Thursday, October 20, 2022 (Toledo, Ohio) In recognition of the 47th Anniversary of the loss of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald, the National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) is offering a weekend of special tours on November 12 and 13. The Fitzgerald Experience is a guided tour of the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, using the lake freighter and its similarities to the Edmund Fitzgerald to discuss the events of November 10, 1975, theories surrounding the vessel’s sinking, and stories about the 29 crew members who were lost.

“Much of the Fitzgerald’s crew originated from the state of Ohio—some of which grew up and lived right here in Toledo,” recalls Ellen Kennedy, the museum’s Education and Visitor Experience Director. “These tours allow guests a hands-on opportunity to uncover and learn about what happened to the ship and crew that fateful night, and understand the everlasting impact of the tragedy.”

Although the Col. James M. Schoonmaker museum ship is closed for the season beginning on November 1, the vessel will reopen again exclusively for guests to have this unique touring experience. Each tour will be limited to a small group of no more than 8 people and lasts approximately 75 minutes. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Due to tour popularity and size limitations, it is strongly recommended that tickets be purchased in advance. Guests can also take advantage of an additional 10-15% discount on museum store purchases. For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit nmgl.org/events or call 419-214-5000.

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“Boo on the Boat” Halloween Event Returns at the National Museum of the Great Lakes

Friday, October 14, 2022 (Toledo, Ohio) – Beginning on Friday, October 28 through Sunday October 30, the National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) invites visitors to trick-or-treat aboard two of Toledo’s most haunted historic vessels—the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and the Museum Tug Ohio.

“Boo on the Boat has become a National Museum of the Great Lakes’ tradition that is both fun and educational,” shares Ellen Kennedy, the museum’s Director of Education and Visitor Experience. “The event will take place over multiple days just prior to Halloween—providing flexibility to fit trick-or-treating into your schedule on a weekday or weekend.”

Young “goblins and ghouls” can trick-or-treat in costume from our museum vessels’ pilot houses to the galleys and everywhere in between while on a scavenger hunt for goodies. Treats will be distributed using pre-portioned, sealed bags at stations to help youth explore Great Lakes history in a fun and age-appropriate way. Children with food allergies will have access to non-food treats in alignment with the Teal Pumpkin Project.

National Museum of the Great Lakes members can enjoy Boo on the Boat activities for free and non-members can join in the fun simply by purchasing general museum and ship combo admission. Non-museum guests may consider additional savings and access to the museum year-round by purchasing a membership. All children must be accompanied to the event by an adult. To learn more and reserve your tickets visit nmgl.org/events/.

Museum’s October Lecture Highlights Lake Erie’s Deadly Undercurrent with Author Wendy Koile

Tuesday, October 4, 2022 (Toledo, Ohio) – Lake Erie is known for its beauty and tranquility, but a dark, deadly undercurrent also lurks beneath its surface. On Wednesday, October 26, join author Wendy Koile as she wades into the depths of this great but deadly lake in the second presentation of the National Museum of the Great Lakes’ 2022 Fall Lecture Series titled Lake Erie Murder & Mayhem.


“Bordering four states and two countries, some might say the ‘inland ocean’ of Lake Erie offers the perfect getaway for criminals of all kinds,” shares Carrie Sowden, the museum’s Archaeological and Research Director who also coordinates NMGL’s lecture series. “From bandits and con artists, to pirates and murderers, Ms. Koile will join us to bring alive stories in history featuring tales like the robbers who held up the Ashtabula National Marine Bank, a murderer who slipped away on a luxury cruise ship, and the corpse found floating in near a lightkeepers post.”


The presenter, Wendy Koile is the Director of Teaching and Learning and a part-time English instructor at Central Ohio Technical College. She holds a master’s in teaching, as well as a master’s in the Art of English and has been an avid Lake Erie lover her entire life. Ms. Kolie’s discussion at the museum will cover many of the stories featured in her same-titled book Lake Erie Murder & Mayhem.


Offered as a hybrid event, participants can choose when registering to take part in the lecture in person at the museum or online via Zoom with an option to purchase the book for either participation preference. The lecture is free, but registration is required. For more information on this event and the final lecture in the Fall Series or to register to participate and/or purchase Ms. Kolie’s book, visit the link below: https://nmgl.org/event.