Museum, Sandpiper offer Great Lakes history learning

        The National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) and The Sandpiper passenger tour boat are collaborating to provide more opportunities to explore Great Lakes history both by land and water with a new “Ship & Shore package” and an onboard “Port of Toledo: Then & Now exhibit.”
        On Saturdays, Aug. 28 and Sept. 11, the museum and passenger boat are teaming up to offer two days featuring an “Ultimate Great Lakes History Day”—a special combination ticket including full access to the National Museum of the Great Lakes and a trip along the Maumee River aboard The Sandpiper.
        In addition, the museum is installing a Port of Toledo online exhibit onboard The Sandpiper which uses QR codes to help cruisers visually compare and learn the history behind various spots along the river’s banks.
        “The Ship & Shore experience provides a way to explore Great Lakes history all day long,” said Ellen Kennedy, the museum's Director of Education and Visitor Experience. “Guests receive full-day access to the National Museum of the Great Lakes—including our world-class, family-friendly exhibits, a 617-foot iron ore freighter and a lake class tugboat—along with a mid-day trip aboard The Sandpiper departing and returning from the museum docks.”
        In addition, NMGL has developed an ongoing way to interact with Great Lakes history along the Maumee River with a soon-to-be installed exhibit map onboard The Sandpiper. The magnetized map uses QR codes to guide Sandpiper Cruise guests through a historic exploration of various Port of Toledo images they may pass while onboard their tour.
        “The collaboration with The Sandpiper and the installation of this ‘mini exhibit’ is such a great way for our museum to expand the reach of our ‘Port of Toledo: Then and Now’ virtual exhibit,” said Kate Fineske, the museum’s Senior Director of Institutional Advancement. “It was a natural partnership between two entities deeply connected to the Maumee River, and a partnership we hope to continue and expand in the years to come.”
        Tickets for “Ship & Shore: The Ultimate Great Lakes History Day” must be purchased in advance at nmgl.org or by calling 419-214-5000. For additional information visit nmgl.org/event/shipshore.
        National Museum of the Great Lakes is located at 1701 Front St., Toledo.