National Museum of the Great Lakes Showcases Life on Lake Erie Traveling Photo Exhibit
September 24, 2025 (Toledo, Ohio) – The National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) is proud to announce the opening of a new temporary micro exhibit, the Life on Lake Erie Traveling Photo Exhibit, on display now through the end of December 2025.
Now in its 33rd year, the Life on Lake Erie Photo Contest—organized by the Ohio Lake Erie Commission—invites photographers to capture the lake’s natural beauty, wildlife, communities, and everyday life. The 2025 winning images are currently traveling throughout Ohio, with NMGL serving as the first organization to display these images.
“Lake Erie is more than just a body of water—it’s a vital thread connecting our environment, economy, and community,” said Carrie Sowden, Director of Archaeology and Research with the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “This exhibit allows visitors to experience that connection through the eyes of individuals who live, work, and play along its shores.”
Each photograph reveals the power and inspiration drawn from Lake Erie. Visitors to the museum can view the winning entries up close and reflect on how the lake continues to shape both the natural and cultural heritage of the region.
This temporary micro exhibit is made possible through the support of the Ohio Lake Erie Commission and is presented at the museum by Sean and Sarah Harold. Museum visitors are encouraged to explore the collection before it closes at the end of December.
About the National Museum of the Great Lakes: The National Museum of the Great Lakes preserves, shares, and celebrates the past, present, and future of the Great Lakes story. As an interactive, experiential museum, we offer visitors the chance to explore thousands of years of history and stories through nine dynamic exhibit galleries—including a rotating temporary exhibition space—and two historic museum vessels, the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and the Museum Tug Ohio, plus the pilothouse of the storied St. Marys Challenger.
Founded in 1944 as the Great Lakes Historical Society, we have a long-standing commitment to education, research, and storytelling. Our initiatives include the publication of Inland Seas®, a quarterly journal of Great Lakes history since 1945, and decades of maritime preservation and archaeological exploration. Today, we strive to be the gathering place for Great Lakes conversations—welcoming all to connect with the stories, people, and innovations that have shaped and continue to influence this vital region.
WHAT: Life on Lake Erie Traveling Photo Exhibit
WHEN: Now through December 2025 | Museum Hours
WHERE: National Museum of the Great Lakes
1701 Front St., Toledo, OH 43605
ADMISSION: $20.00 (Museum & Ship) / $14.00 (Museum Only) – Adults (18-64)
$18.00 (Museum & Ship) / $12.00 (Museum Only) – Seniors (65+)
$14.00 (Museum & Ship) / $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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