Wednesday, August 20, 2025 (Toledo, Ohio)  – In the lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary, National Museum of the Great Lakes announced today it has partnered with the  America 250-Ohio Commission to be an official stop on its new Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail. This experiential driving trail of more than 150 sites across Ohio showcases the crucial role that water has played in moving people, goods, and ideas across the state. It is the third of six planned experiential trails for America 250-Ohio’s signature Trails & Tales program. The Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail sites are grouped into seven categories: Boat Rides & Ferryboats; Lake Erie Lighthouses; Lake Erie Museums & Historic Sites; Ohio Canal Museums, Locks, & Natural Areas; Ohio River Museums & Historic Sites; Natural Areas & Overlooks; Aquatic Science & Research Sites.

The National Museum of the Great Lakes showcases thousands of years of Great Lakes history, from Indigenous peoples and early exploration to the region’s role in shaping industry, leisure, and culture. Exhibits highlight all five Great Lakes, including Lake Erie’s rich stories—from shipwrecks and maritime trade to recreational boating and coastal communities—through immersive displays, artifacts, and interactive experiences, offering a comprehensive look at the lakes’ enduring impact on our lives.

“We’re honored to be a featured stop on the America 250–Ohio Commission’s new Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail,” said Kate Fineske, Executive Director of the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “Our exhibits share the stories of people and industry across all the Great Lakes, including Lake Erie, and being just a few miles from its shore makes us the perfect place to explore and connect with its rich history.”

“National Museum of the Great Lakes is a critical part of telling the story about how water literally and figuratively helped shape Ohio into the state we know today,” said Melinda Huntley, Executive Director of the Ohio Travel Association, America 250-Ohio Commissioner, and co-project leader for the Trails & Tales program. “We are proud to partner with the National Museum of the Great Lakes to share the story of Ohio’s waterways through America 250-Ohio’s Trails & Tales program and look forward to celebrating with them throughout 2025 and 2026.” 

For more information on the National Museum of the Great Lakes, visit nmgl.org. To learn more about the America 250-Ohio Trails & Tales Program, and the Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail, visit https://america250-ohio.org/lake-erie-to-ohio-river/.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Ashley Streichert Lovejoy

Marketing and Communications Manager, NMGL

419-214-5000 ext. 209

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About 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 three 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.

About America 250-Ohio

In 2026, the United States will celebrate its semiquincentennial, which is the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Each state has been encouraged to create a celebration and commemoration of this anniversary to reflect the unique character and contributions of each state to the nation over the past 250 years. Ohio is fully embracing this opportunity. The Ohio Commission for the Semiquincentennial (aka America 250-Ohio Commission or AM250-OH) was created by the Ohio legislature and launched on March 1, 2022. The charge of the AM250-OH Commission is to “…to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the two hundred fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the United States and the impact of Ohioans on the nation’s past, present, and future.” — Ohio Revised Code (149.309). More information can be found at America250-Ohio.org.

January 14, 2026 (Toledo, Ohio) – The National Museum of the Great Lakes invites the community to visit with an extended weekend of FREE museum admission during its annual Community Appreciation Days, Saturday, January 17, through Monday, January 19.

Held in the spirit of community, service, and reflection inspired by the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, Community Appreciation Days offer visitors the opportunity to explore the museum at no cost.

“Community Appreciation Days are about opening our doors and welcoming everyone in,” said Kate Fineske, executive director of the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “The Great Lakes and their stories belong to all of us.”

During the three-day event, guests can enjoy the museum’s interactive exhibits, historic artifacts, and immersive storytelling that spans thousands of years of Great Lakes history. Pre-registration is not required, though visitors are welcome to reserve tickets in advance.

Following Community Appreciation Days, the National Museum of the Great Lakes will close on Tuesday, January 20, and remain closed through Friday, January 30, for annual cleaning and maintenance. The museum will reopen to the public on Saturday, January 31.

For more information about Community Appreciation Days or to reserve tickets, visit nmgl.org/events.

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: Community Appreciation Days

WHEN: Saturday, January 17 – Monday, January 19 | Museum Hours 

WHERE: National Museum of the Great Lakes
1701 Front St., Toledo, OH 43605

ADMISSION: Free

MEDIA CONTACT: Ashley Streichert Lovejoy, 419-460-8181

December 3, 2025 (Toledo, Ohio) – The National Museum of the Great Lakes invites visitors to step out of the cold and into a celebration of boating history with the debut of Frozen in Time: A Wooden and Antique Boat Showcase. Running December 5 through February 15 inside the Museum’s Temporary Exhibit Gallery, this new winter feature offers visitors a chance to experience the craftsmanship, beauty, and culture of wooden and antique vessels—all set against the backdrop of the Maumee River.

“Wooden boats are timeless works of art,” said Chris Gillcrist, Director Emeritus and curator of the showcase. “They reflect the creativity of their builders, the spirit of adventure of their owners, and the enduring connection people have with the Great Lakes. This exhibition is an opportunity to step back in time while celebrating craftsmanship that continues to inspire today.”

Frozen in Time brings together a curated selection of historic and newly hand-built watercraft. From an Indigenous canoe design to classic wooden cruisers, each vessel tells a unique story—revealing how design, leisure, and regional identity converged on the water. 

Frozen in Time: A Wooden and Antique Boat Showcase is included with museum admission and free for National Museum of the Great Lakes members. For more information, visit nmgl.org or call 419-214-5000.

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: Frozen in Time: A Wooden and Antique Boat Showcase

WHEN: December 5 – February 15, 2026 | Museum Hours

WHERE: National Museum of the Great Lakes
1701 Front St., Toledo, OH 43605

ADMISSION: $14.00 (Museum Only) – Adults (18-64)
$12.00 (Museum Only) – Seniors (65+)
$8.00 (Museum Only) – Youth (6-17)
FREE – Children 5 and under, GLHS/NMGL Members

MEDIA CONTACT: Ashley Streichert Lovejoy, 419-460-8181

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October 15, 2025 (Toledo, Ohio) – The National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) invites families to celebrate Halloween at Boo on the Boat, happening Friday, October 24 through Sunday, October 26. Join us during museum hours for Halloween fun aboard two of Toledo’s most historic haunts—the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and the Museum Tug Ohio.

Costumed trick-or-treaters can explore the pilothouses and galleys, collecting treats in pre-portioned, sealed bags at haunted stations along the way. The event offers a frightfully fun way for young explorers to dive into Great Lakes history while enjoying the spooky season.

Additional details:

👻 Non-food treats are available for children with food allergies, offered as part of the Teal Pumpkin Project.
👻  All children must be accompanied by an adult.
👻  Free admission for museum members and children ages 0–5. For non-members, the program is included with museum ship admission.
👻  Free participation for Museums for All visitors, presented by UToledo Health and Toledo Refining Company.

“We love seeing our decks filled with families in costume,” said Ashley Streichert Lovejoy, Marketing and Communications Manager with the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “This event is a wonderful way to connect the community with maritime history in a fun and engaging way.”

Join us at the National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front Street, Toledo, for this family-friendly Halloween tradition.

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: Boo on the Boat

WHEN: October 24 – 26 | Museum Hours

WHERE: National Museum of the Great Lakes
1701 Front St., Toledo, OH 43605

ADMISSION: $20.00 (Museum & Ship) – Adults (18-64)
$18.00 (Museum & Ship) – Seniors (65+)
$14.00 (Museum & Ship) – Youth (6-17)
FREE – Children 5 and under, GLHS/NMGL Members

MEDIA CONTACT: Ashley Streichert Lovejoy, 419-460-8181

October 1, 2025 (Toledo, Ohio) – The National Museum of the Great Lakes proudly announced the official exterior lighting of the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship during last week’s Legacy in Lights: The Schoonmaker Shines celebration.

Thanks to the vision and generosity of The Admiral Society, the museum’s leadership-level membership group, the Schoonmaker now glows along both sides of its hull, becoming a permanent and iconic feature of Toledo’s nighttime skyline.

“Seeing the Schoonmaker lit for the first time was truly breathtaking,” said Sara Smith, the museum’s Director of Institutional Advancement. “This project highlights the power of The Admiral Society members—leaders who not only support our mission but also shape the future of how we share Great Lakes history with our community.”

Each year, The Admiral Society selects a special “future-building” project to fund, ranging from artifact acquisitions and new exhibitions to educational outreach initiatives. For 2025, members chose to illuminate the Schoonmaker, ensuring that the ship’s presence is celebrated both day and night along the downtown Toledo skyline.

Originally launched in 1911 and now serving as a museum vessel, the Schoonmaker stands as one of the most recognizable pieces of Great Lakes maritime history. Its new exterior lighting underscores both the museum’s commitment to preservation and Toledo’s growing reputation as a Great Lakes city.

Photos of the Schoonmaker’s nighttime debut are included with this release and can be accessed by clicking this link.

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.