TOLEDO, Ohio — The National Museum of the Great Lakes announced an upcoming expansion as well as a change in leadership during their annual State of the Museum update, changes that come during the organization's "second wave of growth," according to a press release. 

Museum leadership said the recent opening of the Glass City Metropark has increased the museum's local visibility and gave them the confidence to move forward with a 5,000 square foot expansion. The physical expansion, which will cost an estimated $5.5 million, will include additional permanent exhibit space, dedicated room for temporary exhibits and a new Great Lakes Community Education Center, leadership said. 

According to Kate Fineske, who was named the museum's new executive director during the meeting, $4 million of the total costs have already been met, with 75% of those funds coming from sources outside Lucas County. Initial plans for the expansion began in 2019, when the estimated cost was $3.8 million; post-pandemic costs caused it to rise, organizers said. 

They have also accepted several gifts from supporters to "ensure Great Lakes History is accessible and understood for generations to come by providing funding for the educational aspects related to the expansion's success beyond simply 'bricks and mortar'," a museum spokesperson wrote in a press release.

"We've seen steady growth since opening our doors in Toledo nearly a decade ago and feel fortunate to have Kate Fineske's leadership as we look towards our next decade of growth," Board Vice Chair and Port of Monroe Director Paul LaMarre said in the press release. 

Fineske will take over as Executive Director effective Jan. 1, 2024. The museum's longtime Executive Director Chris Gillcrist, who is planning to retire soon, will become the Emeritus Director of the museum with a focus on the organization's historical programming. 

Additionally, the museum's current Director of Education and Visitor Experience, Ellen Kennedy, will take the role of Director of Museum Operations. 

Groundbreaking on the expansion is expected in late spring 2024.