Museum Event Aims to Keep Great Lakes History Afloat

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August 14, 2020 (Toledo, Ohio) – 2020 has seen struggles of historic proportions, especially for museums. A recent survey conducted by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) suggests up to one-third of U.S. museums may not survive the year. This chilling statistic is one of many driving factors behind the National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) upcoming virtual gala—H2Oh!

This year, the H2Oh! fundraising gala will consist of a live-streamed production beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 26 and include an online auction during the week leading up to the event. The powerful production can be viewed over computers, smart TVs and mobile devices and will support the museum’s mission threefold by: 

  • setting into motion the Great Lakes Memory Project—a new oral history initiative;
  • giving a first look at the museum’s Port of Toledo: Then and Now temporary exhibit being installed in ProMedica headquarter’s History Walk Gallery; 
  • and announcing the winner of the 2020 Luck of the Lakes raffle—providing one lucky individual and their guests a chance to win a trip aboard an Great Lakes freighter.

“Our Great Lakes, Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, Ontario, contain 84% of the continent’s fresh water and together are a powerful force that has forged destinies, nourished wildlife, sparked wars, taken thousands of ships, and continue to provide countless hours of recreation and drive industry and economy,” said Kate Fineske the museum’s director of development and communications. “This year’s gala will highlight Great Lakes stories and how so many individuals have been shaped by their existence.”

Beginning September 17 and ending after the live-streamed production ons September 27, the museum will also host an online auction featuring once-in-a-lifetime Great Lakes-inspired experiences and memorabilia. All proceeds will help keep Great Lakes history afloat by supporting the National Museum of the Great Lakes and their mission to preserve and make known the history of the Great Lakes.

To learn more about the event and register to participate visit: nmgl.org/h2oh2020.