National Museum of the Great Lakes Announces Free 2026 Spring Lecture Series
March 4, 2026 (Toledo, Ohio) – The National Museum of the Great Lakes announced its 2026 Spring Lecture Series, presented by Larry and Karen Bettcher. The three-part series will bring dynamic Great Lakes stories to life through expert speakers, compelling research, and engaging storytelling. All lectures are free and offered in a hybrid format, allowing guests to attend in person at the museum or virtually via Zoom. Donations are encouraged, and advance registration through Eventbrite is required for both in-person and virtual attendance.
The series begins Wednesday, March 18, with Mapping the Great Lakes: Shipwrecks, Surfing, and Shorelines. Cartographer and author Alex B. Hill offers a visually rich exploration of the Great Lakes through more than 50 original maps. Drawing from his book Great Lakes in 50 Maps, Hill examines the lakes through themes of history, ecology, infrastructure, and geography—revealing surprising connections, from clusters of shipwrecks and surfing communities to environmental change and cultural identity across the basin.
On April 15, the museum presents The Loss of the Clough: Exploration, Discovery, and an Unexpected Tragedy. This timely lecture ties directly to the museum’s current micro exhibit on the recently confirmed Clough shipwreck. Maritime archaeologist Chris Kraska will explore the 1868 sinking of the barkentine Clough, the perilous world of 19th-century Great Lakes commerce, and the modern technologies used to locate and identify shipwrecks. The program will also reflect on the profound legacy of maritime archaeologist David VanZandt, whose connection to the wreck site adds a deeply human dimension to the story.
The series concludes June 3 with Loving a Lighthouse: The Purchase and Restoration of Fairport Harbor West. Private lighthouse owner and preservation advocate Sheila Consaul shares her remarkable journey of purchasing and restoring the historic Fairport Harbor West Lighthouse on Lake Erie. Her presentation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at saving a maritime landmark and transforming it into a restored home while honoring its historic character.
“Our Spring Lecture Series is a keystone of our programming,” said Carrie Sowden, Director of Archaeology and Research at the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “By bringing in speakers with diverse topics and backgrounds, we can tell even more Great Lakes stories. It’s a meaningful way for us to engage and educate our community while highlighting the depth and complexity of our region’s history.”
All lectures take place from 7:00–8:30 p.m. at the museum, located at 1701 Front St., Toledo, Ohio. Attendees must register in advance via Eventbrite and select either an in-person or virtual ticket. While the series is free, donations are welcomed to support the museum’s ongoing mission to preserve, share, and celebrate Great Lakes stories.
For more information and to register, 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.
WHAT: 2026 Spring Lecture Series
WHEN: March 18 @ 7:00 pm | Mapping the Great Lakes: Shipwrecks, Surfing, and Shorelines
April 15 @ 7:00 pm | The Loss of the 𝘊𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩: Exploration, Discovery, and an Unexpected Tragedy
June 3 @ 7:00 pm | Loving a Lighthouse: The Purchase and Restoration of Fairport Harbor West
WHERE: National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St., Toledo, OH 43605 or Online via Zoom
ADMISSION: Free
MEDIA CONTACT: Ashley Streichert Lovejoy, 419-460-8181
