National Museum of the Great Lakes Announces Free 2026 Spring Lecture Series
The National Museum of the Great Lakes announced its 2026 Spring Lecture Series, presented by Larry and Karen Bettcher.
Published: Friday, March 20, 2026 9:00 am
The three-part series will bring dynamic Great Lakes stories to life through expert speakers, compelling research, and engaging storytelling. All lectures are free and offered in a hybrid format, allowing guests to attend in person at the museum or virtually via Zoom. Donations are encouraged, and advance registration through Eventbrite is required for both in-person and virtual attendance.
The series began this past Wednesday with Mapping the Great Lakes: Shipwrecks, Surfing, and Shorelines. Cartographer and author Alex B. Hill explored the Great Lakes through more than 50 original maps, drawing from his book Great Lakes in 50 Maps. Hill examined the lakes through themes of history, ecology, infrastructure, and geography — revealing surprising connections, from clusters of shipwrecks and surfing communities to environmental change and cultural identity across the basin.
On April 15, the museum presents The Loss of the Clough: Exploration, Discovery, and an Unexpected Tragedy. This timely lecture ties directly to the museum’s current micro exhibit on the recently confirmed Clough shipwreck. Maritime archaeologist Chris Kraska will explore the 1868 sinking of the barkentine Clough, the perilous world of 19th-century Great Lakes commerce, and the modern technologies used to locate and identify shipwrecks. The program will also reflect on the profound legacy of maritime archaeologist David VanZandt, whose connection to the wreck site adds a deeply human dimension to the story.
The series concludes June 3 with Loving a Lighthouse: The Purchase and Restoration of Fairport Harbor West. Private lighthouse owner and preservation advocate Sheila Consaul shares her remarkable journey of purchasing and restoring the historic Fairport Harbor West Lighthouse on Lake Erie. Her presentation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at saving a maritime landmark and transforming it into a restored home while honoring its historic character.
“Our Spring Lecture Series is a keystone of our programming,” said Carrie Sowden, Director of Archaeology and Research at the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “By bringing in speakers with diverse topics and backgrounds, we can tell even more Great Lakes stories. It’s a meaningful way for us to engage and educate our community while highlighting the depth and complexity of our region’s history.”
All lectures take place from 7:00–8:30 p.m. at the museum, located at 1701 Front St., Toledo, Ohio. Attendees must register in advance via Eventbrite and select either an in-person or virtual ticket. While the series is free, donations are welcomed to support the museum’s ongoing mission to preserve, share, and celebrate Great Lakes stories.
For more information and to register, visit nmgl.org/events.
tags: announcement, Explore, Free, lecture, National Museum of the Great Lakes, Spring
