Amid sunny skies and a brisk wind that occasionally carried a gull or two overhead, the National Museum of the Great Lakes broke ground on a 5,000-square-foot expansion Monday afternoon.
The museum’s capital campaign has already raised $4.5 million toward the Second Wave expansion project’s $6 million price tag, which includes construction and exhibit acquisition costs.
“Our fundraising efforts for this project are in full swing. We’ve had support from the State of Ohio, forward thinking businesses, generous donors, loyal museum members, and visitors,” said Paul LaMarre, vice chairman of the board of the museum, who was among the speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony.
The expansion of the museum, which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary on Front Street in East Toledo, will provide dedicated areas for temporary and traveling exhibits, new permanent exhibit spaces, and a community education center.
“We’re expanding our horizons. We’re taking a pivotal step, breaking ground on the new addition to the museum,” Mr. LaMarre said.
The National Museum of the Great Lakes will become the place where all Great Lakes conversations happen, he added.
“Imagine a space where the past, present, and future combine to create a dynamic hub for community education, cultural enrichment, and economic growth,” Mr. Lamarre said.
“Our mission at the National Museum of the Great Lakes is to educate and inspire visitors with the rich history of the Great Lakes. We’re embarking on an exciting new journey,” he said.
Dr. William Davis, a museum board member and the leader of the Second Wave campaign, agreed.
“Education is going to be a big part of this expansion,” Dr. Davis said. “Because of this new development, we will be able to put on a lot more programs for the area, northwest Ohio and southern Michigan. It’s going to be great.”
He was hopeful the museum could soon team up with the Coast Guard and have programs on boat safety.
“That’s an area that needs a lot of help,” he said.
Kate Fineske, executive director of the museum, said she was grateful for the support of the museum over the years.
She noted how much the museum has grown since its first wave — moving to Toledo 10 years ago. The museum grew from just a few team members to its current 25.
“We have 11,000-square-feet of interior museum exhibit space, the maritime park, and a 617-foot lake freighter that you cannot miss, the museum tug Ohio, the St. Mary’s Challenger Pilot House, and now a 5,000-square-foot addition that we’re putting on to the back of the space. That space is going to be incredible for us,” Ms. Fineske said.
“Of the $4.5 million we raised, over 72 percent of that is derived from resources outside Lucas County. Over 70 percent of visitors who spend at least one hour on the museum grounds stay at least one night in a hotel. We are bringing visitors and revenue to Toledo. With this expansion, we are going to be the gathering place of all Great Lakes conversations,” she said.
Some in the small crowd who attended the groundbreaking ceremony were enthusiastic about the expansion.
“I'm so excited that there is a community that wants to continue to educate so we can keep the Great Lakes at the forefront of everyone’s mind,” said Jackie Csiszar, senior vice president of World Shipping, agents for the ships of the Great Lakes.
“We have such a gem,” Lucas County Auditor Katie Moline said. “It really has a lot of room to grow in terms of its prominence in our community. And this is just one step in that direction. I love that the museum is always looking to the future, especially in this region. They have the foresight to expand so that the next generation can enjoy this.”
First Published April 22, 2024, 10:14 p.m.
