the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Services (IBCCES). This certifi cation refl ects the museum’s dedication to understanding and supporting individuals with autism and other sensory sensitivities. Interactive Adventures Await: Kid-Friendly Programs at the National Museum of the Great Lakes By Ashley Streichert, Marketing and Communications Manager at the National Museum of the Great Lakes Did you know the National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) is right in your backyard? Covering all fi ve bodies of water across the United States and Canada, the exhibits dive deep into unique stories and history taking place throughout the lakes of Erie, Huron, Ontario, Michigan and Superior. Visitors are invited to explore these tales through more than 500 breathtaking photographs, 250 incredible artifacts, 45 interactive exhibits, and magnifi cent museum ships for a true treasure trove of maritime history that captivates visitors of all ages. The museum not only showcases the most important natural resource in the world — the Great Lakes — but also weaves hundreds of years of history into a compelling narrative. From the fur traders of the 1600s to the sailors on today’s thousand-footers, the tales of the Great Lakes’ social, economic, and political impact come to life in an engaging and interactive environment. Interactive Learning for Young Minds At the heart of the NMGL is a commitment to interactive learning, especially for children. Nearly every exhibit invites kids to play, touch, and feel the maritime history, offering a hands-on approach that makes understanding the Great Lakes experience fun and educational. “Our kid-friendly programming is crucial in engaging young minds with the rich history of the Great Lakes,” said Ellen Kennedy, director of museum operations. “We believe that by creating interactive and enjoyable experiences, we can spark a lifelong interest in maritime history.” To further engage families, the museum offers kid-friendly programming both in-person and online through its Captain Scupper’s Kids Club. Inspired by the tales told in The Adventures of Kitty Smoke, a children’s book illustrated by Alexander Burns Cook, a late museum benefactor, and commissioned by the NMGL, kids get to experience what life is like working on the lakes through educational experiences and play. For the museum’s virtual activities, visit nmgl. org/kid-zone. In this article, we’re diving into the upcoming events for the whole family happening this summer. Sensory Friendly Mornings Understanding the importance of inclusivity, the museum hosts sensory-friendly mornings throughout the year. The next event is scheduled for Saturday, June 22, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. During this time, families can explore the museum with fewer crowds, dimmed lights, and lowered or no exhibit sounds, providing a more comfortable environment for people with sensory sensitivities. The museum’s commitment to inclusivity is further highlighted by its status as a Certifi ed Autism Center™ (CAC) by Families interested in attending Sensory Friendly Mornings can purchase tickets ahead of time at nmglstore.org or upon arrival. Regular admission rates apply with free admission for NMGL members and Museums for All Participants, which is a national access program for those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefi ts). Eligible participants can gain free or reduced admission using their SNAP EBT card. Captain Scupper’s Kids Club Events Captain Scupper’s Tug Life Together with their caregivers, kids ages three to 10 are invited to explore the Museum Tug Ohio, stepping aboard a real-life tugboat built in 1903, during the program Captain Scupper’s Tug Life. The hour-long event takes place at various times on Saturday, July 13, and includes tug-themed activities and story time inspired by The Adventures of Kitty Smoke, a tale about an old Great Lakes tug that gets a second chance with the help of a small boy. “Education is one of our most important values,” said Kate Fineske, NMGL executive director. “We are dedicated to educating future generations about the importance and value of the Great Lakes and the various industry-related careers.” Registration for Tug Life is included with museum-ship admission and free for NMGL members and Museums for All participants. Pre-registration is recommended to save your spot. You can fi nd more information at nmgl.org/events. Captain Scupper’s Crew Life For ages eight to 12, the museum offers Captain Scupper’s Crew Life, presented by The Andersons. Together with their caregivers, the guided tour allows young visitors to experience a day in the life of crew members on a lake freighter aboard the 617-ft Col. James M. Schoonmaker museum ship. Children will learn about the various jobs onboard and the careers necessary to support the Great Lakes shipping industry, both now and in the past. This small group activity combines education and fun, making it ideal for school-aged visitors. Upcoming Crew Life events take place on Saturday, June 8, and Saturday, August 10 at various times. Similar to Tug Life, Crew Life is included with museum-ship admission rates and free for NMGL members and Museums for All participants. At least one parent or guardian must accompany their participating children during both of these events. Register at nmgl.org/events. Page 4 Captain Scupper’s Songfest The museum is thrilled to bring back Captain Scupper’s Songfest, presented by Craig’s Keyboards, for our youngest maritime enthusiasts. Ideal for children up to six years old and their parents or guardians, participants will delight in a morning fi lled with maritime music and movement class taught in partnership with Risa Beth Cohen from Sing into Reading. This 30-minute activity helps build a love of reading through music with a Great Lakes twist. Following the music session, children can enjoy open play in the museum’s Port of Play and explore the exhibit space. Captain Scupper’s Songfest takes place next on Saturday, June 15 at 10:30 am. Additional dates include Saturday, July 20, and Saturday, August 17. Registration is $5.00 for NMGL member children and $15.00 for non-member children per class (price includes free museum-only admission for one adult and child). Non-member visitors wishing to explore the museum vessels may do so for an additional cost. Classes are limited to 20 kids and their grownups. Register at nmgl.org/events. Summer Fun for the Whole Family Freighter Golf Challenge If you’re looking for a unique and exciting event that the whole family can enjoy, hop aboard the Schoonmaker for the museum’s Freighter Golf Challenge. From July 12 through July 21, visitors can participate in a hole-in-one contest on custom-built putting greens aboard the 113-year-old historic vessel. A successful hole-in-one earns a special prize and entry into a drawing for a free museum membership. Access to the putting greens is included with museum-ship admission, making this a fun activity for young families, solo visitors, and groups of friends alike. Membership Swap with Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum The museum is also thrilled to partner with the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum for a membership swap during the month of August. NMGL members of all levels can visit the Ann Arbor Museum at no additional cost, providing an opportunity to explore even more hands-on educational experiences. ~ Since its foundation, the NMGL has been dedicated to creating an engaging and educational environment for people of all ages. Through various interactive exhibits, sensory-friendly mornings, and special programs like Captain Scupper’s Kids Club events, the museum ensures that young visitors learn about maritime history and have fun doing it. The museum’s commitment to education and inclusivity helps inspire a lifelong interest in the Great Lakes and the vital role they play in North American history.
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