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.

The Admiral Society Selection Results 2024

The National Museum of the Great Lakes’ Admiral Society’s Funds Enhance Museum Tug Ohio Access & Expand Artifact Collection

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The National Museum of the Great Lakes proudly announces the allocation of funds by its esteemed Admiral Society towards transformative projects aimed at enriching the visitor experience. The Admiral Society is a program designed to empower its members to make impactful decisions toward preserving Great Lakes’ heritage and enhancing engagement.

With a collective vision to shape the past, present, and future of the museum through education, experience, and achievement, members voted on how to invest their allocated $60,000 in annual funds in two pivotal initiatives: enhancing access to the Museum Tug Ohio and expanding the Museum’s artifact collection.

Members were presented with three future-building project options. To kick off the season, the Galloo Island Shipwreck project was privately funded, allowing the opportunity for an additional project to enter the Selection round. 

The Building Through Collecting initiative focuses on securing 80 historically significant artifacts from a distinguished private collection, ensuring their preservation for future generations. This effort also secures the right of first refusal for the remaining artifacts, safeguarding valuable pieces of maritime heritage.

The Museum Tug Ohio Engine Access project addresses safety concerns identified during the vessel restoration, which was generously donated to the Museum in 2019. While the tug has been a highlight of the museum’s offerings, visitor access to the engine room has been limited by safety concerns. The project will now implement safer stairs, enhancing visitor access and enriching the educational experience.

“The Admiral Society plays a crucial role in advancing the museum’s mission,” said Sara Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement of the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “Through their dedicated support and strategic funding decisions, we can continue to expand our educational outreach and preserve the rich history of the Great Lakes.”

Applications for new Admiral Society members are now open for the upcoming year. Individuals interested in supporting these initiatives and becoming part of shaping the Museum’s future can find more information at nmgl.org/the-admiral-society or by contacting Sara Smith at 419-214-5000 ext. 207 or sara.smith@nmgl.org.