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

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.