National Museum of the Great Lakes facts for kids
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| Established | 2014 |
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| Location | 1701 Front Street Toledo, Ohio, US |
| Type | Maritime museum |
The National Museum of the Great Lakes is a cool museum located in Toledo, Ohio. It sits right by the Maumee River. This museum celebrates the amazing history of the Great Lakes in North America. It shows how people have used and explored these huge lakes.
One of the most exciting things about the museum is that it's home to a giant ship! The SS Col. James M. Schoonmaker, a real Lake freighter, is docked right next to the museum. You can even go inside it!
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Discover the Great Lakes Museum
The National Museum of the Great Lakes, often called NMGL, started from a group called the Great Lakes Historical Society. This group loves the Great Lakes and wanted to share their history. For many years, they had a smaller museum in Vermilion, Ohio.
In 2014, the Society moved to Toledo, Ohio. They opened a much bigger museum. This move was special because it allowed them to bring the historic lake freighter, the Schoonmaker, right next to the museum building.
The Historic Schoonmaker Ship
The SS Col. James M. Schoonmaker is a very old ship, launched way back in 1911. When you visit, you can see its riveted metal plates. You can also explore its old pilothouse, which didn't have radar like ships today. This shows you what shipbuilding and sailing were like over 100 years ago! You can usually tour the Schoonmaker during the warmer months of the year.
Exploring Sunken Ships
The NMGL also helps find and protect old sunken ships in Lake Erie. Thanks to new technology, it's now easier to find these hidden treasures. Sunken ships, especially those built before the 1900s, can teach us a lot. They show us how boats were built and what life was like for sailors long ago. This information isn't always written down in history books.
What You'll See Inside
The museum building opened on April 26, 2014. It celebrates both the natural beauty and the human history of the Great Lakes. Inside, you can see many cool exhibits.
- Model Ships: You can see tiny versions of ships that sailed the lakes.
- 350 Years of History: The displays take you through 350 years of navigation on the Great Lakes.
- Real Ship Parts: You'll find actual parts from old sailing and steam ships. This includes ropes, machinery, and even dishes used by passengers.
The museum is open all year round, so you can visit any time!
See also
- Dossin Great Lakes Museum, Detroit, Mich.
