National Museum of the Great Lakes

05/22/2026

National Maritime Day, observed each year on May 22, honors the men and women who keep our maritime industry moving. The date marks the anniversary of the first transoceanic voyage by an American steamship, the SS 𝘚𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘩, in 1819.

Here on the Great Lakes, maritime history runs deep. Long before interstate highways, the lakes served as the region’s superhighway — powering industry, connecting communities, and shaping the growth of Great Lakes cities. Today, mariners continue to move the iron ore, grain, stone, and cargo that support communities across North America.

This National Maritime Day, we celebrate the people who have worked — and continue to work — on the water. Their stories are at the heart of everything we preserve, share, and celebrate at the National Museum of the Great Lakes. ⚓

📸 Credit: Chris Winters. Shown in photo: 𝘚𝘵. 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘺𝘴 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳'𝘴 last crew celebrated with steak and lobster on the final voyage. Michael Kushman, who steered the 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 for more than two decades, "For us, it's our job and we see it everyday."

05/21/2026

🚢 The SS 𝘖𝘯𝘰𝘬𝘰 launched in Cleveland, Ohio in 1882. In 1915, with a full load of wheat bound for Toledo, the 𝘖𝘯𝘰𝘬𝘰 went down near Knife Island, Lake Superior. The boat suffered a devastating leak and went down in just 35 minutes. Fortunately, the entire crew and only passenger were able to make it to the lifeboats in time to survive and be picked up and returned to Duluth by the 𝘙𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯.⚓

🚢 A remarkable innovation of inland maritime engineering, the 𝘖𝘯𝘰𝘬𝘰 was the first large iron-hulled straight-deck freighter on the lakes. The boat had an influence on all lakers since—including the freighters we see pass through our port cities today.

📸 courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society

05/20/2026

It's always extra fun to welcome partners to the museum, especially on a gorgeous sunny day. ☀️ Thanks to the wonderful Development & Membership Team from The Toledo Zoo for their visit last week!

05/19/2026

"There are so many stories of hope."

Check out what inspires Sara Smith, our Director of Institutional Advancement, from our Currents of Change exhibit.

05/18/2026

It's the final days of our latest Member Pop Up Perk. ✈️🌊

NMGL members, now through the end of May, enjoy FREE admission to the Michigan Flight Museum with your membership! It’s the perfect chance to explore aviation history and make the most of your member benefits.

Don’t miss out. Plan your visit before this perk flies away!

05/16/2026

Find your flow by the water 🧘‍♀️🌊

Join us for outdoor yoga with Parting Clouds Yoga at the National Museum of the Great Lakes—set against the peaceful backdrop of the Maumee River. This all-levels class is the perfect way to relax, recharge, and reconnect in a beautiful outdoor setting.

✨ Free to attend thanks to our presenting sponsor, UToledo Health
📍 Held in the museum's Cliffs Great Lakes Maritime Park

Reserve your spot: https://yogamay30.eventbrite.com/

05/15/2026

We’re honoring those who serve—on the water and in uniform—with free admission at the National Museum of the Great Lakes.

Friday, May 22: National Maritime Day
🛳️ FREE admission for maritime workers

Saturday, May 23 – Monday, May 25: Memorial Day Weekend
🎖️ FREE admission for:
• Veterans
• Active military
• Maritime workers

Join us as we recognize the people who keep our maritime traditions strong and honor those who have served our country.

Plan your visit: nmgl.org/events

05/15/2026

Attention visitors ⚠️ The NAMIWalks Greater Toledo is happening tomorrow and begins at Glass City Metropark. As a result, expect increased traffic when parking at the museum between 9 am - 12 pm.

I'm supporting NAMI!

05/14/2026

🌊⚓️ 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐞𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭?!

This week, Carrie Sowden is at the eastern end of Lake Ontario taking part in an underwater excavation project, documenting history beneath the surface. 🌊🚢

This is just a small glimpse into the work happening out in the field. Research like this helps preserve Great Lakes history and deepen our understanding of the people, vessels, and stories that shaped the region.

Stay tuned… you never know where Great Lakes history will take our team next. 👀

05/14/2026

Thank you to our content partners and supporters like BGSU for helping make our Currents of Change exhibit possible!

The BGSU Center for Great Lakes & Watershed Studies is proud to partner with the National Museum of the Great Lakes for the Currents of Change exhibit (Apr 22-Oct 18). Learn about the history of the Great Lakes while discovering how science, conservation & community action continue to influence their future.

nmgl.org/currents