National Museum of the Great Lakes Announces Exclusive Curator Tours for Dark Waters: True Crime & Mystery on the Great Lakes

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September 11, 2025 (Toledo, Ohio) – The National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) is offering visitors a rare opportunity to go beyond the exhibit walls with Dark Waters: Curator Tours, guided by the exhibit’s curator and the museum’s Director Emeritus, Chris Gillcrist.

Step into the shadows of Great Lakes history during these exclusive tours, where Gillcrist shares untold stories, chilling details, and insider insights into how Dark Waters: True Crime & Mystery on the Great Lakes came together.

Tour Dates & Times

  • Saturday, Sept. 20 – 10:15–11:15 a.m. | 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 25 – 10:15–11:15 a.m. | 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 1 – 10:15–11:15 a.m. (Final opportunity to see the exhibit.)

Tickets:  $20 NMGL Members | $40 Non-Members
Museum admission included. Registration required. Find out more at nmgl.org/events.
All tours take place in the temporary exhibit gallery at the National Museum of the Great Lakes. Dark Waters is recommended for ages 13 and up.

“These tours let me share what didn’t fit on the labels—the research, the curatorial choices, and the questions that still keep me curious,” said Chris Gillcrist, Director Emeritus and curator of Dark Waters. “We’ll look closely at the artifacts, connect them to the people and decisions behind each case, and talk about where the mysteries remain.”

Participants will explore all seven stories featured in the gallery while discovering additional accounts, hidden details, and deeper context behind the artifacts on display. The exhibit is scheduled to close at the end of October 2025; the Nov. 1 tour offers a final, limited-access viewing before deinstallation.

Tickets are available now at nmgl.org/events. Space is limited.

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.

 

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

National Museum of the Great Lakes Invites Career Partners to Participate in 2025 Maritime Career Day

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September 4, 2025 (Toledo, Ohio) – The National Museum of the Great Lakes is calling on maritime and Great Lakes–related industries to take part in its second annual Maritime Career Day on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Designed to connect students and the public with career opportunities across the region, the event provides a unique platform for companies, higher education institutions, and tradespeople to connect with future talent and gain valuable exposure.

Last year’s inaugural event drew over 300 students and more than 30 career partners, including leaders from various fields such as shipping, environmental science, engineering, the military, and culinary arts. This year, in addition to students, the museum is expanding its reach by inviting the broader community to take part, offering career partners an even wider audience to share their work and opportunities.

“Maritime Career Day is about building connections and inspiring the next generation of Great Lakes professionals,” said Sara Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement with the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “With the addition of a community session this year, partners will not only meet eager students but also connect with adults exploring career opportunities or seeking new paths within our region’s vital industries.”

Event Details:

  • Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
  • Student Session: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Grades 7–12)
  • Community Session: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Open to the public)
  • Location: National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St., Toledo, OH

Career partners will host booths inside the museum and aboard its Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, offering attendees a chance to interact directly with professionals from diverse fields.

Sponsors of the 2025 Maritime Career Day include:

  • Presenting Sponsor: World Group Foundation – the philanthropic arm of The World Group, dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting change in the communities where its people live and work.
  • Community Sponsors: The Andersons and International Ship Masters Association Toledo Lodge 9

Organizations interested in participating as a career partner are encouraged to contact Sara Smith at sara.smith@nmgl.org. Space is limited, and early registration is recommended.

For more information, visit nmgl.org/careerday.

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 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.

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

National Museum of the Great Lakes Announces 50th Anniversary Weekend Honoring the Edmund Fitzgerald

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August 13, 2025 (Toledo, Ohio) – This November marks 50 years since the loss of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, one of the most famous ships ever to sail the Great Lakes. The National Museum of the Great Lakes will honor the ship and the memory of its 29 crew members with a weekend of events, special performances, and community tributes from Friday, November 7, through Monday, November 10, 2025.

On November 10, 1975, the Edmund Fitzgerald sank during a fierce Lake Superior storm, taking the lives of all aboard. Its mysterious loss remains one of the Great Lakes’ most captivating stories. Often called the “Toledo Express” because, in its early years, Toledo and Detroit were the only ports with the capacity to accommodate the vessel. And in 1964, the only route the Fitzgerald ran was from Silver Bay, MN, to Toledo, which shows how the ship’s story is deeply tied to the city’s maritime heritage.

“Fifty years later, we are proud to bring together local organizations, performers, and the public to remember the ship, its crew, and their families,” said Kate Fineske, National Museum of the Great Lakes Executive Director. “This weekend is both a commemoration and a chance to share the Fitzgerald’s enduring legacy with new generations.”

The Clement O. Miniger Memorial Foundation is generously supporting the weekend tribute, with additional sponsorship and collaboration from The Valentine Theater, The Lathrop Company, The Collaborative, Quenched & Tempered Brewery, and more. Visitors can also enjoy exclusive rates at the Renaissance Toledo Downtown and Hilton Garden Inn Toledo Downtown for the weekend.

Weekend Highlights

All Weekend Long – Guided Fitzgerald Tours Aboard the Schoonmaker
Friday, November 7 – Monday, November 10 | Museum Hours
Step aboard the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship for guided tours co-presented by The Lathrop Company and The Collaborative. Visitors will explore the life and work of freighter crews while imagining the challenges faced by those aboard the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Friday, November 8 | 3–9 p.m. – Fitzgerald Beer Launch & Honorary Dinner at Quenched & Tempered Brewery
Kick off the weekend with the debut of “The Toledo Express” copper ale, brewed in honor of the Fitzgerald. The brewery will serve the ship’s “last meal”—chicken paprikash—alongside live music from 7–9 p.m. 

Sunday, November 9 | 7 p.m. – Meredith Moon Live at the Valentine Theater
Enjoy a special tribute concert by Meredith Moon, daughter of Gordon Lightfoot, performing in the theater where her father once sang the ballad that immortalized the Fitzgerald’s story.

Monday, November 10 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. – Documentary Screening
The museum will screen A Good Ship and Crew Well Seasoned: The Fitzgerald and Her Legacy every hour in the Great Lakes Community Education Center. Produced by the National 

Museum of the Great Lakes and Allied Communications, Inc., the film shares lesser-known stories about the ship and its crew.

Monday, November 10 | 6 p.m. – Guest Panel & Anniversary Ceremony
Join us for a moving evening of reflection featuring three individuals whose personal and professional connections to the Edmund Fitzgerald bring unique perspectives to this milestone anniversary. Tom Walton, a former crew member with a family connection to the tragedy, offers an intimate look at the human impact of the disaster. Ric Mixter, one of the few people to have visited the wreck site, shares firsthand insights into the ship’s final resting place. Lissa Guyton, an award-winning journalist, brings the “why it matters” perspective—connecting the Fitzgerald’s story to the broader public in a way that resonates far beyond the maritime community. The night will conclude with a solemn name-reading and bell-ringing at the exact moment the ship was lost.

Artifacts & Immersive Experiences

Beyond the weekend events, the museum offers year-round opportunities to connect with the Fitzgerald’s history. Visitors can see one of only two life rafts recovered from the wreck—the sole raft on public display—alongside other artifacts. The award-winning shipwreck simulator allows guests to virtually explore the Fitzgerald’s final resting place as an underwater archaeologist.

Plus, our fall issue of Inland Seas is completely devoted to stories about the Fitzgerald. For more information on how to get a copy, visit nmgl.org/inland-seas. 

Tickets, lodging offers, and full event details are available at nmgl.org/fitzgerald50.

 

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 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.

National Museum of the Great Lakes Unveils Every Boat Tells Our Story, a New Permanent Exhibit

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July 16, 2025 (Toledo, Ohio) – The National Museum of the Great Lakes recently opened Every Boat Tells Our Story, a permanent exhibit that invites visitors to step inside the battles, triumphs, and everyday labors that have defined the Inland Seas for centuries.

Housed in the museum’s newly completed World Group Foundation Gallery, the exhibit combines artifacts with hands-on experiences:

  • 16 meticulously crafted model boats — 12 from the Bob Sellers Collection — trace the evolution of Great Lakes shipbuilding, from schooners and modern freighters to a canoe and fish tug.

  • A full-scale pilothouse from the St. Marys Challenger—considered the world’s longest continuously operating vessel—offers a year-round accessible glimpse into life on the Lakes.

  • Interactive profiles spotlight the people who changed the lakes’ history, including civil-rights pioneer Sarah Elizabeth Ray, who fought—and won—a landmark Supreme Court case after being denied passage aboard the Boblo Boat Columbia in 1945.

Funded in part by the World Group Foundation and the Schoonmaker Foundation, the gallery pairs model boats, archival photos, oral histories, and interactive displays to illuminate both well-known and overlooked stories of innovation, immigration, and perseverance.

“Every artifact here—whether a hand-built model or a copper ingot—carries a human story,” added Carrie Sowden, NMGL director of archaeology and research. “Our goal is to honor those stories and inspire the next generation to invest in the future of our region and find their own Great Lakes story.”

Every Boat Tells Our Story is included with regular museum admission and is open daily (10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday–Saturday; noon – 5 p.m. Sunday). Tickets and membership information are available at nmgl.org or by calling 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 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.

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

Dark Waters Exhibit Plunges Visitors Into True-Crime Mysteries of the Great Lakes

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July 16, 2025 (Toledo, Ohio) – The National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) recently announced the opening of Dark Waters: True Crime and Mystery on the Great Lakes, the first exhibition to debut in the museum’s new Temporary Exhibit Gallery. Presented by Buckeye Broadband and The Blade, the exhibit invites visitors ages 13 and up to explore some of the region’s most gripping tales of deception, disaster, and unresolved intrigue. Dark Waters opened Saturday, June 28, and will remain on view through October 31, 2025.

The 4-month exhibition dives into the Great Lakes’ shadowy past—from blazing shipboard tragedies to Prohibition-era violence—revealing how moments of darkness helped shape the communities that line these Inland Seas.

Among the featured stories:

  • SS Noronic Inferno (1949): A late-night fire aboard the passenger steamer while docked in Toronto claimed 118 lives and raised enduring questions about safety and accountability.

  • Bootlegging & the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre (1920s): The Lakes served as America’s busiest smuggling corridor during Prohibition, fueling organized crime that culminated in Chicago’s still-unsolved gangland massacre.

  • H. H. Holmes’ “Murder Castle” (1893): Just steps from the World’s Columbian Exposition on Lake Michigan, one of the nation’s first known serial killers preyed on visitors, cementing a sinister legacy amid a celebration of progress.

“Dark Waters exposes the hidden currents beneath our region’s maritime story,” said Chris Gillcrist, NMGL Emeritus Director and curator of the exhibit. “By examining these darker chapters, we gain a fuller understanding of the people, places, and forces that have shaped the Great Lakes.”

The exhibit is included with regular museum admission and is free for NMGL members. Due to graphic content and mature themes, it is recommended for guests 13 and older.

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: Dark Waters: True Crime & Mystery on the Great Lakes exhibit

WHEN: Now through October 31, 2025; Museum Hours

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

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

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Enter to Win a Great Lakes Getaway in the 2025 Luck of the Lakes Raffle

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June 25, 2025 (Toledo, Ohio) – The National Museum of the Great Lakes invites adventurers and supporters of Great Lakes history to take part in the 2025 Luck of the Lakes Raffle, offering a chance to win unforgettable travel experiences. This year’s raffle features two once-in-a-lifetime grand prize options and a third prize that’s perfect for a party on the water.

GRAND PRIZE – Winner’s Choice

A Multi-Day Freighter Trip for Two Aboard an Interlake Maritime Services Vessel

Experience the Great Lakes like never before aboard a working Interlake freighter. Guests will enjoy private staterooms, stunning views, legendary freighter fare, and the rare opportunity to witness real-time commercial shipping operations. This immersive journey is not available to the public and is coordinated with Interlake to ensure a custom, unforgettable experience.

OR

A 9-Day Great Lakes Cruise for Two with Victory Cruise Lines

Sail across all five Great Lakes in luxury with Victory Cruise Lines from Chicago to Toronto—or vice versa. With curated shore excursions, Lakelorian lectures, and onboard programming in partnership with the National Museum of the Great Lakes, this cruise offers an elegant blend of leisure, learning, and lakeside culture. Prize must be booked in 2025 for a 2026 trip.

THIRD PRIZE – Private River Cruise in Detroit

Host up to 150 guests aboard a private 2-hour charter with Diamond Jack River Tours on the Detroit River. Perfect for family reunions, corporate outings, or any celebration, this charter includes a cash bar and the option to bring your own food aboard.

“This raffle is more than just a chance to win a dream vacation—it’s an opportunity to directly support the preservation and storytelling of Great Lakes history,” said Sara Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement at the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “Every ticket purchased helps us continue our mission to keep these incredible stories alive for generations to come.”

All proceeds benefit the Great Lakes Historical Society and its National Museum of the Great Lakes, whose mission is to preserve, share, and celebrate the past, present, and future of the Great Lakes story. 

Raffle Details

  • Ticket Sales Open: Saturday, June 28, 2025
  • Early Bird Special: Through July, purchase 4 tickets for $250 (regularly $100 each)
  • Ticket Sales Close: Wednesday, September 24 at 11:59 p.m.
  • Drawing Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025 

To learn more, purchase tickets, or view complete raffle rules, visit nmgl.org/2025LOLRaffle.

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 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.

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.

 

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

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Free Outdoor Tai Chi Class Kicks Off Summer at the National Museum of the Great Lakes

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June 18, 2025 (Toledo, Ohio) – The National Museum of the Great Lakes is partnering with UToledo Health/Trauma Services to welcome the first weekend of summer with Wellness by the Boat, a free outdoor Tai Chi class on Saturday, June 21, and Saturday, August 9 at 9 am. Held in the museum’s Cliffs Great Lakes Maritime Park along the Maumee River, the class offers participants an opportunity to stretch, strengthen, and center themselves beside the historic Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship.

The class is led by certified instructor Corey Anderson, RN, BSN, the Trauma Injury Prevention and Education Coordinator for the UToledo Trauma Program. With a background in Surgical/Trauma ICU nursing, Corey has witnessed the devastating impact of traumatic injuries firsthand. Now, he uses that experience to lead community education initiatives focused on injury prevention. Passionate about promoting health and safety, Corey is dedicated to building a supportive and informed community where individuals are empowered to live safer, healthier lives.

“We’re excited to bring the community together for a morning of movement by the water,” said Ashley Streichert Lovejoy, Marketing and Communications Manager at the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “This event reflects our ongoing commitment to wellness, accessibility, and creating inviting spaces that connect people to the Great Lakes.”

To register, call Corey Anderson at 419‑383‑6292. The event is free and open to the public. For more information about the event or the museum, visit nmgl.org.

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 UToledo Health: UToledo Health is a university-affiliated clinical enterprise that infuses teaching, research, and care to offer the highest level of healthcare to northwest Ohio. At the University of Toledo Medical Center and our clinics, we provide advanced care and healing in a patient-centered environment. We’re UToledo Health. The Power To Do. Visit health.utoledo.edu for more information.

WHAT: Wellness by the Boat: Tai Chi

WHEN: Saturday, June 21 2025; 9 am 

Saturday, August 9, 2025; 9 am

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

ADMISSION: Free, call 419‑383‑6292 to reserve your spot

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

 

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Admiral Society Selects 2025 Future-Building Project: Schoonmaker Illumination

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The National Museum of the Great Lakes is proud to announce that The Admiral Society, the museum’s highest level of membership, has selected the Schoonmaker Illumination Project as its 2025 future-building initiative. This member-driven investment will enhance the visibility and beauty of the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, creating a striking new lighting installation to showcase one of Toledo’s most iconic landmarks.

The project was selected during the Admiral Society’s second annual Selection Dinner on May 28—an elegant evening that brought together the museum’s most engaged supporters to determine which project would receive dedicated funds from their collective contributions. In its second year, the Society had $90,000 in funds available to support the selected project, with remaining proceeds earmarked for future investments.

“Each year, our Admiral Society members help shape the legacy of our institution by funding meaningful and lasting improvements,” said Sara Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement with the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “The Schoonmaker Illumination Project is a perfect example of their dedication to preserving and enhancing the visibility of Great Lakes history.”

The Schoonmaker Illumination Project will light the historic freighter in a way that both honors its past and invites the community to see it in a new light—quite literally. This enhancement will not only improve the visitor experience but also highlight the museum ship as a beacon along the Maumee Riverfront and within Downtown Toledo’s skyline.

The National Museum of the Great Lakes extends sincere gratitude to all Admiral Society members for their vision, generosity, and role in guiding the museum’s future.

To learn more about The Admiral Society and how to get involved, visit nmgl.org/admiral-society.

National Museum of the Great Lakes Celebrates Grand Opening of Second Wave Expansion

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June 4, 2025 (Toledo, Ohio) – Members of the media are invited to join museum leadership, donors, and community partners for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the National Museum of the Great Lakes’ Second Wave expansion on Friday, June 27, at 4:30 p.m.

The event marks the completion of the new 5,000-square-foot Larry and Karen Bettcher Wing that ushers in a bold new era for the museum’s storytelling and community engagement.

“Our Second Wave expansion is the culmination of our renewed mission to preserve, share, and celebrate the past, present, and future of Great Lakes stories,” said Kate Fineske, Executive Director of the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “By opening these doors, we are creating new opportunities to connect even more deeply with our Great Lakes community—solidifying Toledo and the museum as the gathering place for Great Lakes conversations.”

Public Grand Opening — Saturday, June 28

Festivities continue the following day when the museum welcomes visitors to an all-day grand-opening celebration featuring:

  • Every Boat Tells Our Story — our new permanent exhibit spotlighting remarkable vessels and the renowned Bob Sellers Model Boat Collection, anchored by the immersive St. Marys Challenger pilothouse experience.

  • Dark Waters: True Crime and Mystery on the Great Lakes — the museum’s first-ever temporary exhibit, exploring unsolved crimes and enduring mysteries across the region. The exhibit is presented by Buckeye Broadband and The Blade.

  • Throughout the day, visitors can also enjoy local food vendors, live music, and maritime activities for all ages on the museum grounds.

The public celebration runs 10 am – 5 pm on Saturday, June 28; regular admission rates apply.

For questions or to RSVP for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, please contact Ashley Streichert Lovejoy at ashley.streichert@nmgl.org or 419-214-5000, ext. 209.

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, share, and celebrate the past, present, and future of the Great Lakes story.

WHAT: Second Wave Public Grand Opening 

WHEN: Saturday, June 28, 2025; 10 am – 5 pm 

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

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

National Museum of the Great Lakes Relaunches Captain Scupper’s Kids Club With Summer-Long Lineup

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May 1, 2025 (Toledo, Ohio) – The National Museum of the Great Lakes today announced the return of Captain Scupper’s Kids Club, a hands-on program offering new activities for children and families every Saturday from June 1 through Aug. 30. The weekly, drop-in sessions run 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and are designed to spark curiosity about Great Lakes science, history and stewardship. 

“From mini-golf to Lego shipbuilding, Captain Scupper’s Kids Club lets young visitors learn through play,” said Ellen Kennedy, Director of Museum Operations. “We’re thrilled to relaunch the club with fresh adventures that invite the next generation to connect with the Great Lakes.”

Summer Schedule

Freighter Golf — June: This project was funded in part by a grant from the Helping Hens Fund of the Greater Toledo Community Foundation. A five-hole course lets participants putt across all five Great Lakes while discovering iconic landmarks and Great Lakes facts.

Recycled Regatta — July: Children build and race boats crafted from everyday recyclables, highlighting creative engineering and sustainability.

Lego on the Lakes — August: Budding creatives design freighters, cruise ships, or custom creations in a free-build challenge. ​

How to Join

Families can register for Captain Scupper’s Kids Club during their visit to the museum and receive an official Kids Club Passport to collect a custom sticker at each event. Children who register by June 1 earn a bonus sticker celebrating the club’s relaunch. ​

Admission Information

Kid’s Club activities are included with admission and are free for museum members and Museums for All participants. No additional event registration is required after joining the club.

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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.

WHAT: Capt. Scupper’s Kid’s Club

WHEN: June 1 – August 30, 2025

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

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