Museum to host tours in honor of S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald

        In recognition of the 45th Anniversary of the loss of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald, the National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) is offering a weekend of special tours Nov. 7-8.
        The Fitzgerald Experience is a guided tour of the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, using our lake freighter and its similarities to the Edmund Fitzgerald to discuss the theories about the vessel’s sinking and stories about the 29 crew members who were lost.
        “While traveling Lake Superior on Nov.10, 1975, the ‘Mighty Fitz’ and its entire crew sank during a storm,” said Chris Gillcrist, executive director of the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “Many from that crew were from the Toledo area. We believe this tour provides a more experiential and hands-on way to learn about a tragedy that deeply impacted the lives of so many near and far.”
        Along with the tour, each group will receive a copy of the documentary, “A Good Ship and Crew Well Seasoned: The Fitzgerald and Her Legacy.” The hour-long DVD explores the less-documented and overlooked history of the Fitzgerald and her crew, while at the same time reflecting on the impact of their loss on family, friends and colleagues in the maritime community.
        Although closed for the season beginning Nov. 1, The Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship will open Nov. 7-8 exclusively to tour guests for the Fitzgerald Experience. Tickets are $150 per group of four. Twenty-six groups of four individuals will be admitted over the two-day period to allow for social distancing throughout the museum ship. Masks will be required during the entire tour.
        For more information and to purchase tickets, visit nmgl.org or call 419-214-5000.
        The National Museum of the Great Lakes is located at 1701 Front St., Toledo.