Waving Through Time: Flags of the Sweetwater Seas

A ship’s flag is a distinctive feature in the world of boating and especially the Great Lakes. Bulk freighter companies have house flags that display their logo high in the air. Yachting associations have celebratory flags for their success in races and in their grouping. Signal flags are a form of communication between big and small vessels. There have been thousands of flags and symbols that have waved through time, each leaving its mark on the lakes. Through this exhibition, we are able to retell their history and the purpose of these flags. 

Come with us as we explore the flag collection of the National Museum of the Great Lakes, which includes over 200 different examples. This exhibit will be updated twice a month for three months – focusing on company flags. Check back in the fall when we will highlight yacht clubs and racing flags for six installments.

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COMING SOON! If you are enjoying this online exhibit, join us in person from March 15 – May 15 for our micro exhibit on company flags. Some of the pieces shown here will be on display at the National Museum of the Great Lakes. Be sure to follow @NMGLToledo on social media and sign-up to receive emails in order to receive notifications throughout the year when each new series and accompanying micro-exhibits launch.