Sandusky Maritime Museum | Sandusky

The Sandusky Maritime Museum, officially known as the Maritime Museum of Sandusky, is a dedicated institution that celebrates the rich maritime heritage of Sandusky, Ohio, and the surrounding Lake Erie region. It provides visitors with a comprehensive insight into the area’s deep connection to shipping, shipbuilding, naval history, and Great Lakes culture.

Location and Hours

The museum is located at 125 Meigs Street, Sandusky, Ohio. It is open from Friday through Sunday, typically from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This schedule allows visitors to plan weekend trips or brief weekday visits during these times.

Admission Fees

The museum offers reasonable admission rates designed to be accessible to a wide range of visitors:

Adults: $8.00

Seniors (age 62 and over): $7.00

Children under 12 years old: $7.00

Family passes (2 adults plus children under 18): $19.00

Groups of 10 or more people: $5.00 per person

“Museums for All” program: $3.00 admission for up to four people with an EBT card

Active-duty military personnel and their families receive free admission from Memorial Day through Labor Day under the Blue Star Museums initiative.

Exhibits and Displays

The Maritime Museum of Sandusky offers a diverse range of exhibits focused on the maritime history and heritage of the Great Lakes region, particularly around Sandusky and Lake Erie. Some of the key themes and exhibits include:

Shipbuilding and Boat Restoration: Visitors can learn about traditional and modern shipbuilding techniques, including hands-on restoration projects. The museum highlights the craftsmanship and engineering involved in creating and maintaining watercraft.

Ice Harvesting and Commercial Fishing: These exhibits explore the historic industries of ice harvesting during winter months and the commercial fishing economy that thrived on Lake Erie.

Shipwrecks and Navigation: The museum delves into the dangers of Great Lakes navigation and the numerous shipwrecks in the area. It features artifacts recovered from wreck sites and stories of maritime disasters and rescues.

Sandusky’s Role in the Underground Railroad: The museum includes exhibits about the important role Sandusky played as a stop on the Underground Railroad, connecting maritime history with the region’s broader social history.

The Battle of Lake Erie: A significant historical highlight is the coverage of the 1813 naval Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. The museum displays artifacts and information about this pivotal conflict.

The Howman Boathouse and Historic Vessels

Visitors have the opportunity to explore the Howman Boathouse, part of the museum complex, which houses restored historic vessels and ongoing boat restoration efforts. This hands-on aspect allows visitors to witness traditional maritime craftsmanship and gain appreciation for the maintenance and preservation of maritime heritage.

Educational and Interactive Programs

The museum emphasizes education through interactive displays and programming. It hosts special events, lectures, workshops, and school group tours designed to engage visitors of all ages and deepen their understanding of maritime history and the Great Lakes environment.

Visitor Experience

The Maritime Museum of Sandusky offers a family-friendly environment with exhibits that appeal both to maritime enthusiasts and general visitors interested in history. Its location near the waterfront provides an authentic setting to experience the maritime culture that shaped the city.

Overall, the Sandusky Maritime Museum is a vibrant cultural institution preserving and sharing the maritime traditions of the Lake Erie region through engaging exhibits, historical artifacts, and educational outreach. It serves as a vital connection between Sandusky’s past and present as a significant port and maritime community.