Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
The National Museum of the Great Lakes is commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks with a new temporary micro-exhibit exploring one of the day’s most remarkable rescue efforts.
The “Greatest Maritime Evacuation: September 11, 2001” will be on display through Oct. 31. Through powerful photographs and firsthand accounts, the exhibit shares how professional mariners and everyday citizens came together to evacuate nearly half a million people from Lower Manhattan by water.
In less than nine hours, hundreds of vessels—including U.S. Coast Guard cutters, harbor tugboats, ferries, passenger vessels, and privately owned boats—answered an urgent call for assistance. Together, they carried out what is considered the largest maritime evacuation in history.
“Although this extraordinary rescue unfolded in New York Harbor, it reflects the courage, skill, and selfless service that define maritime communities everywhere, including the Great Lakes region,” said NMGL Director of Archaeology & Research, Carrie Sowden.
The micro-exhibit is included with museum admission and will be open during regular museum hours. NMGL is located at 1701 Front St., Toledo. For admission information and museum hours, visit nmgl.org.
African Safari offering free admission for first responders
African Safari Wildlife Park, 267 S. Lightner Rd., Port Clinton, is offering free general admission for first responders from Sept. 7-11 as a thank-you for their service.
“Our first responders give so much of themselves to protect and care for our communities,” said Kelsey Keller, chief operating officer of African Safari Wildlife Park. “This offer is our way of showing our appreciation and inviting them to spend a well-deserved day making memories with the people they love.”
For this promotion, first responders include active and retired police officers, firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians, as well as volunteer members of police and fire departments. A pay stub or valid form of ID will be required.
Visit africansafariwildlifepark.com for details.
Free silent film, ‘The Wind’
“Ohio Goes to the Movies,” a statewide celebration of Ohio’s contributions to film, will present a screening of the silent film, “The Wind,” Sunday, Sept. 20 at 2 p.m. at the Pemberville Opera House, 115 Main St. The event is free and open to the public.
Michael Hurwitz, noted historian who studied under Gish at the New York Drama School will share insights into her life and friendship, along with some memorabilia of the actress. Hurwitz became quite good friends with Gish spending many afternoons in her home.
Following Hurwitz’s presentation will be the screening of “The Wind,” accompanied on the piano by Lynne Long. Following the movie, there will be a grazing table and mocktails to complete the afternoon.
For more information, call Carol Bailey at 419-419-9645 or visit www.pembervilleoperahouse.org.
‘Hop’ local in Pemberville
The 5th Annual Pemberville Autumn Brew Hop is coming to the village’s downtown on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 6-9 p.m.
The evening of fall fun, located along Front Street, will feature food, live music from Parallel Universe from 6-10 p.m., and more. Several local businesses will offer extended shopping hours and special event sales from 6–9 p.m.
The 2026 Autumn Brew Hop mug, available for $15 at local businesses, is a ticket to free samples of handcrafted non-alcoholic autumn brews from participating local businesses. Alcoholic beverages available for purchase at Casa Rio and Front Street Café.
Mugs are available at Baker Insurance, Beeker’s General Store, Belle Fleur, Casa Rio, The Comfy Cactus, Country Cupboard and Str8 Juice.
Author Fair & Parking Lot Party
Local author Laurence St. John will be among 20 writers from Northwest Ohio and beyond celebrating local literature at the 2026 Author Fair & Parking Lot Party hosed by Gathering Volumes, 196 E. South Boundary in Perrysburg.
The event will take place Sunday, Sept. 6, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet authors, browse a wide variety of books, and discover new favorites across nearly every genre.
Lunch will be available for a donation through the Northwest Ohio Teen Book Festival. Proceeds from the meal fundraiser will help support the festival's mission of bringing nationally recognized and regional authors to Northwest Ohio each spring to inspire teens and tweens to read, write, and explore their creativity.
Visiting gatheringvolumes.com for more information.
Fall Cemetery Tour set
Historian Jeff Eversman will lead a Fall Cemetery Tour to the North Oregon Cemetery on Otter Creek Road on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 1 p.m.
The cemetery is the final resting place to many of the area's pioneers and early settlers, like the Wynn family and Josephine Fassett.
The one-to-two-hour walking presentation is free and open to the public. The tour traverses uneven ground. Participants should dress for the weather and wear appropriate walking shoes.
After the tour, light refreshments will be available at the Brandville School Museum on Grasser Street in Oregon.
Reservations are not required, but are appreciated. Call our text 419-902-5149, email ojhs1963@gmail.com or register through the city's rec department website.
Cornhole tourney to support Holiday Project
A countywide Cornhole Tournament is set for Sunday, Sept. 20 at 1 p.m. on the Wooster Green, 100 South Church St., Bowling Green.
The Wood County Committee on Aging (WCCOA), Inc. has partnered with Bowling Green Kiwanis and Bowling Green State University to host the event. Parking will be available at the Wood County Senior Center, 140 South Grove St.
Funds raised will benefit WCCOA’s Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Holiday Project. The registration fee is a $25 donation for two-member teams; $15 for single players. Individual registrants will be paired with another single player. There is no rain date nor refunds.
All cornhole boards will be provided along with the resin bags. This is a double elimination tournament with three divisions: Businesses, Campus Life and Community. Registrants should note the division they represent when they sign up. A trophy will be awarded to the winning team in each division.
Preregistration is encouraged but walk-ons are welcome. To register, visit https://forms.gle/CiY5DVfswDvQ9knr9.
