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

October 21, 2021 (Toledo, Ohio) – In recognition of the 46th 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 6 and 7. 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.

“This tour was developed to provide a more experiential and hands-on way to learn about the tragedy of the ‘Mighty Fitz’,” recalls Ellen Kennedy, the museum’s Education and Visitor Experience Director. “Many from the crew were from our museum’s hometown of Toledo or the surrounding area and the vessel’s sinking deeply impacted the lives of individuals both near and far.”

Although closed for the season beginning November 1, The Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship will reopen one last time this season exclusively to tour guests for the unique 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 our Fitzgerald Experience event page or call 419-214-5000.