National Museum of the Great Lakes Opens New Exhibit Currents of Change on Earth Day
The National Museum of the Great Lakes will debut its newest temporary exhibit, Currents of Change
Published: Thursday, June 11, 2026 9:00 am
April 15, 2026 (Toledo, Ohio) – The National Museum of the Great Lakes will debut its newest temporary exhibit, Currents of Change: The Living History of the Great Lakes, on April 22, 2026—Earth Day—inviting visitors to explore the powerful environmental stories that have shaped the region for centuries.
Presented by the John and Virginia Hankison Foundation, Currents of Change takes visitors on a compelling journey through the forces that define the Great Lakes. From beavers that transformed early economies to invasive species and harmful algal blooms, the exhibit reveals how human activity and natural ecosystems have continuously collided—and collaborated—across time.
Through immersive storytelling and engaging interpretation, visitors will encounter moments of struggle, resilience, and renewal while gaining a deeper understanding of the science, conservation efforts, and community action that continue to shape the future of the Great Lakes.
“This exhibit brings together the ecological history of the Great Lakes in a way that is both accessible and deeply impactful,” said Carrie Sowden, Director of Archaeology and Research at the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “By connecting past decisions to present challenges, Currents of Change helps visitors see their role in the ongoing story of these vital freshwater systems.”
On view through October 18, 2026, the exhibit will be housed in the museum’s Temporary Exhibit Gallery and is included with museum admission. Throughout the exhibit’s run, the museum will offer a variety of educational programs and events designed to deepen engagement with the topics explored in Currents of Change.
tags: Currents of Change, Debut, earth day, Exhibit, History, temporary, The National Museum of the Great Lakes
