Inclusive Museum Experiences Expand with Monthly Sensory Friendly Mornings Starting in 2025
December 10, 2024 (Toledo, Ohio) – The National Museum of the Great Lakes is excited to announce our next Sensory Friendly Morning on Saturday, December 14, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. This early opening is designed for individuals with sensory sensitivities, offering a calm and welcoming environment for all visitors to enjoy the museum’s exhibits.
During this dedicated hour, the museum will limit crowd sizes to ensure a relaxed atmosphere, dim exhibit lighting for a soothing ambiance, and reduce or eliminate exhibit sounds to minimize auditory stimulation.
As a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) recognized by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Services (IBCCES), the museum is committed to creating inclusive experiences for all individuals.
"We believe museums are for everyone," said Ellen Kennedy, Director of Museum Operations. "Our Sensory Friendly Mornings provide an inclusive space where individuals and families of all abilities can experience the joy of learning and connecting with Great Lakes history. It’s important to us that everyone feels welcome and supported during their visit."
Exciting News for 2025: Starting in January 2025, Sensory Friendly Mornings will take place every second Saturday of the month throughout the entire year. This ongoing program underscores the museum’s commitment to inclusivity and its goal of making history accessible to all.
Visitors can pre-order tickets or purchase them at the door. Regular admission rates apply, and museum members and Museums for All participants (those receiving SNAP benefits) receive free admission. For more information about the event or to become a museum member, visit nmgl.org/events.
About the National Museum of the Great Lakes: Founded in 1944, the Great Lakes Historical Society has been preserving our shared cultural history by publishing a quarterly journal Inland Seas® since 1945; by operating a maritime museum since 1952; by offering educational programs to the general public since 1956; by conducting underwater archaeological research across the Great Lakes since 2001; and by managing the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship since 2014 and Museum Tug Ohio since 2019. The opening of the National Museum of the Great Lakes enables the Great Lakes Historical Society to continue its mission to preserve and make known the important history of the Great Lakes.
WHAT: Sensory Friendly Mornings
WHEN: Saturday, December 14, 2024; 9-10 am
WHERE: National Museum of the Great Lakes
1701 Front St., Toledo, OH 43605
ADMISSION: $11.00 (Museum Only) – Adults (18-64)
$10.00 (Museum Only) – Seniors (65+)
$8.00 (Museum Only) – Youth (6-17)
FREE – Children 5 and under, GLHS/NMGL Members
MEDIA CONTACT: Ashley Streichert Lovejoy, 419-460-8181
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