National Museum of the Great Lakes and Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities Partner for Sensory Friendly Weekend Recognizing Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
March 4, 2026 (Toledo, Ohio) – The National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) and the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Lucas DD) are partnering to host a special Sensory Friendly Weekend on Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15, in recognition of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
Designed to create a calm and welcoming museum experience, Sensory Friendly hours will take place Saturday, March 14, from 9 to 10 a.m., and Sunday, March 15, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. During these dedicated times, crowds will be limited, lighting will be dimmed, and exhibit sounds will be lowered or eliminated to reduce sensory stimulation. The programming is included with museum admission and is free for museum members and Museums for All participants (families and individuals receiving SNAP benefits).
In the spirit of DD Awareness Month, Lucas DD will host special activities from 9-10 a.m. on March 14 at the museum. All visitors will receive $2 off admission during that time. Lucas DD representatives will also be available in the museum lobby for a DD-themed game and information about programs and resources available at the Board. There will also be celebrity book readings by WTOL anchor Melissa Andrews and local children’s author Katie Maskey at 9:20 and 9:40 a.m. in the museum’s theater gallery.
The first 50 visitors on both Saturday and Sunday will be entered into a drawing for a free Museum Family Membership.
The weekend also coincides with the museum’s Spring Break promotion, offering one free youth admission with the purchase of one adult admission — making it an ideal time for families to explore the museum together in a supportive and inclusive environment.
In addition, the museum will debut its new accessibility cart during the weekend. The cart provides enhanced tools and resources designed to support visitors with sensory sensitivities and ensure a more comfortable, inclusive experience.
“We are thrilled to partner with Lucas DD for this special weekend as we work together to build greater awareness around accessibility and inclusion,” said Sara Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement at the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “As a Certified Autism Center™, we strive to be a museum for everyone — a welcoming place where all individuals and families can experience and connect with Great Lakes stories.”
“We are honored by this collaboration with the National Museum of the Great Lakes, a true gem that celebrates the spirit and stories of our region,” said Nabil Shaheen, Lucas DD Community Outreach & Communications Manager. “We commend the Museum’s accessibility efforts, which ensure that history and culture are open to all. We look forward to welcoming our individuals, families, and special guests on March 14 for what promises to be an awesome event.”
For more information, visit nmgl.org/events.
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.
About the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities: The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities serves nearly 5,000 individuals throughout the county, ranging in ages from newborns to senior citizens. The Board is responsible for, among other things, Provider Support, Medicaid Administration, Service & Support Administration, a Children’s Department, which provides the Early Intervention Program; and a Community Inclusion Department that includes Special Olympics and travel training. Learn more at LucasDD.org.
WHAT: Sensory Friendly Weekend: Recognizing Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 9 – 10 am
Sunday, March 15, 2026 | 11 am – 12 pm
WHERE: National Museum of the Great Lakes
1701 Front St., Toledo, OH 43605
ADMISSION: $2 off admission
$14.00 (Museum Only) – Adults (18-64)
$12.00 (Museum Only) – Seniors (65+)
$8.00 (Museum Only) – Youth (6-17)
FREE – Children 5 and under, GLHS/NMGL Members
MEDIA CONTACT: Ashley Streichert Lovejoy, 419-460-8181
