Hard Hat Tour Offers Exclusive Access to New Artifact, Spaces Typically Off-limits to Museum Ship Visitors

On Saturday, June 18 the National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) will offer the first of three summer Hard Hat Tours. Participants will set foot in spaces typically off-limits to visitors during an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, the Museum Tug Ohio and the St. Marys Challenger Pilothouse—the newest artifact to join the museum grounds and still undergoing restoration efforts.

“During this 2-hour experience, guests will have the opportunity to take a deeper dive into the ships’ inner workings and visit “hard-hat” only locations like the Museum Ships’ Owners Galley, the lowest points of the boat, as well as a look in the vessels stern from Cargo Hold #1,” reports Christ Gillcrist, the Museum’s Executive Director. “From glimpses into our newest artifact’s restoration, to the Colonel's original boiler bricks—you’ll see it all from an insider’s view.”

Tours are $35 for NMGL members and $50 for non-members. Each small group behind-the-scenes experience will last approximately 2 hours with tours beginning at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Space is limited to 8 individuals per small group, so advance registration is encouraged. Due to the limited capacity, additional Hard Hat Tours are also scheduled to take place this summer on Saturday, July 16 and Saturday, August 20. For additional information visit nmgl.org/events or call 419-214-5000.