The National Museum of the Great Lakes is pleased to be able to offer speakers for public and private functions and groups, in-person or virtually. Over the course of a year, we typically do 30-40 public presentations. We can speak to small groups of 15, and to large groups of 250. We have, in the past spoken at libraries, rotary meetings, membership based clubs, annual meetings, etc. We invite you to look at the topics that we have prepared and see if something might work for your group. If you don’t see what you are looking for, please feel free to give us a call and we can write something for you. Each of our programs is accompanied by a Power Point presentation.
Click here to request a speaker or contact Jenna Ruetz at jenna.ruetz@nmgl.org or 419-214-5000 ext. 215.
We will explore a brief history of shipping on the Great Lakes that lead up to the impressive Edmund Fitzgerald. She had an exciting life during the 18 years that she sailed, often carrying record breaking loads. Her loss on November 10, 1975 still puzzles many to this day. We will explore several of the prevailing theories on her loss.
Host a special screening of A Good Ship and Crew Well Seasoned: The Fitzgerald and Her Legacy, the National Museum of the Great Lakes’ original documentary produced with Allied Communications, Inc. This powerful film uncovers the lesser-known history of the Fitzgerald and its crew through unpublished manuscripts, rare photographs, and personal stories, and can be paired with a live or virtual Q&A with producer Chris Gillcrist.
Ten of the most important national stories that came from the Great Lakes. Learn more about the National Museum of the Great Lakes with our very own Top Ten list!
This talk follows the entire stream of the archaeologist, from research, to discovery, to investigation, and finally to analysis and publication. Along the way examples of Lake Erie shipwrecks are used to highlight each step.
Hear about the life of Col. James M. Schoonmaker, the inspiration behind the construction of the “Queen of the Lakes” in 1911. His tale includes Civil War heroics, dealings with Iron Ore and the Coke Industry, his long-term friendship with William P. Snyder, and the Lake Erie Railroad Company.
A thorough history of travel on the Great Lakes, either for immigration or enjoyment, from the 19th century schooners to the lavish steamboats of the early 20th century.
Take a look at the history of the Battle and the work that GLHS is doing to attempt to identify the battlefield. We will also look at other War of 1812 Naval archaeological sites around the Great Lakes.
Join us for a historical and cultural re-examination of piracy and it implications for understanding Great Lakes history. No parrots, or peg legs, included but a healthy dose of thievery, mutiny, and other unsavory tales.
The story of the worst day in commercial shipping on Lake Erie, four ships were lost and over 50 lives.
This talk explores the history of shipping on the Great Lakes and showcases resources for people interested in Genealogical research.
This talk takes a look at the history and the mystery behind the sinking of the Marquette and Bessemer No.2, which occurred on December 7, 1909.
Commemorate the loss of the Titanic with this overview presentation of the ship, its building, first trip, and sinking. Throughout we will look at Great Lakes connections to this story.
A highlight of how the Great Lakes were protected during World War II by the use of sailors in the Coast Guard Temporary Reserve.
Learn about three Lake Erie shipwrecks that have a tie to Toledo: they were built here, it was the last port of call, or it was the intended port of call.
Speaker fees help us cover our time and expenses for a presentation, with a sliding scale based on distance. Distance may be calculated based on speaker location or from the National Museum of the Great Lakes* (1701 Front Street, Toledo OH 43605).
2025 Rates
If you find these fees outside of your budget, please feel free to contact us to see if there is available grant money to assist your organization.
*We have speakers based out of Vermilion, OH as well as Toledo.
