The National Museum of the Great Lakes announced the official exterior lighting of the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship during last week’s Legacy in Lights: The Schoonmaker Shines celebration.
Thanks to the vision and generosity of The Admiral Society, the museum’s leadership- level membership group, the Schoonmaker now glows along both sides of its hull, becoming a permanent and iconic feature of Toledo’s nighttime skyline.
“Seeing the Schoonmaker lit for the first time was truly breathtaking,” said Sara Smith, the museum’s director of institutional advancement. “This project highlights the power of The Admiral Society members— leaders who not only support our mission but also shape the future of how we share Great Lakes history with our community.”
Each year, the society selects a special “future-building” project to fund, ranging from artifact acquisitions and new exhibitions to educational outreach initiatives. For 2025, members chose to illuminate the Schoonmaker, ensuring that the ship’s presence is celebrated both day and night along the downtown Toledo skyline.
Originally launched in 1911 and now serving as a museum vessel, the Schoonmaker stands as one of the most recognizable pieces of Great Lakes maritime history. Its new exterior lighting underscores both the museum’s commitment to preservation and Toledo’s growing reputation as a Great Lakes city.
