Museum launching initiative to connect students to history
The National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) is launching a new initiative, “All Aboard for History!”, meant to provide third- through sixth-grade Lucas County students the opportunity to forge a deeper connection to Great Lakes history.
The five-year initiative will allow up to 8,000 local students to take advantage of a complimentary visit to the museum or bring the museum’s programming to their classroom.
“The National Museum of the Great Lakes is committed to ensuring school systems throughout the Toledo metropolitan area have access to quality, curriculum-based experiences promoting social studies and history,” said NMGL Executive Director Chris Gillcrist. “We want to make sure kids have access to first-hand experiences which build their interest, knowledge, and passion around the Great Lakes and its historical significance.”
The museum has secured two $10,000 gifts to launch the program—with the initial gift coming from Key Bank and a more recent gift from the Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation. Operating on the Great Lakes since 1855, and currently building the East Toledo iron plant set to open next summer, Cleveland-Cliffs representatives say they are excited to encourage more students to learn about Great Lakes history, as well as the social and economic impact of one of the world’s largest freshwater ecosystems.
“The Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation has a long history of supporting quality educational initiatives within the local communities in which we operate to help prepare youth for their future,” says Ania Ediger, Manager, Government Relations and Specialist, Environmental Legislative Affairs.
Teachers interested in taking advantage of this free learning experience and individuals and corporate entities seeking to donate to the program can learn more by visiting nmgl.org/all-aboard or calling 419-214-5000.