“Christmas Tree Ship” Community Giveback Day Grows; Offers Support and Maritime History Access to All

Published: Wednesday, November 1, 2023 11:00 am
By: National Museum of the Great Lakes

Tuesday, October 31, 2023 (Toledo, Ohio) – On Saturday, December 2, the National Museum of the Great Lakes, in partnership with Geo. Gradel Co., invites individuals to join a holiday tradition by welcoming back the ”Christmas Tree Ship.” Additionally, thanks to the generosity of The University of Toledo Medical Center (UTMC), museum admission will be FREE for all.

On November 23, 1912, the schooner Rouse Simmons sank while carrying Christmas trees. Remembered as the Christmas Tree Ship, her captain, Herman E. Schuenemann, was known for giving trees to families in need. This story provides the inspiration behind the Museum’s community giveback event encouraging individuals to make a memory to last a lifetime by watching Santa arrive at the museum’s dock delivering Christmas Tree and holiday support.

“Museums have been shown to increase our sense of well-being and make us feel healthier. They inspire, challenge and stimulate us, while also making us proud of where we come from,” shares museum spokesperson Kate Fineske. “The Christmas Tree Ship Community Giveback Day allows us to connect individuals on the East Bank of the Maumee River and access the Great Lakes with their maritime roots while providing healthy holiday support.”

The event asks individuals to “get a tree or give a tree” as well as provide holiday support by donating towards gift cards for its community partners. In addition, for every donation made, UTMC will match individual gifts with a healthy hygiene kit for community members in need.

“We know health isn’t always just about your doctor’s appointment. It’s also about finding ways to connect with family and friends during the holidays and being able to take part in meaningful activities with those you love,” said Jennifer Archer, UTMC’s Assistant Director of Community Engagement and Volunteer Services. “As a community-focused hospital, we take a holistic approach to health and quality of life. We’re proud to be able to support a well-loved event and provide our entire community this opportunity.”

The National Museum of the Great Lakes provides community support in partnership with East Toledo Family Center, Family House, Lucas County Children's Services, and Sylvania Area Family Services. In addition, they are encouraging individuals to make a full day of holiday activities by viewing the 51st Annual East Toledo Holiday Parade which begins at 11 a.m. at South Ravine Parkway, and ends at Metroparks Toledo’s new Glass City Enrichment Center.

Following the parade, guests are asked to walk or drive to the Museum where Santa and a boatload of Christmas Trees will arrive to receive visitors in front of the Museum Tug Ohio.

To learn more about the event, purchase a tree for yourself or individuals in need, or provide holiday support with a donation visit nmgl.org or call 419-214-5000. Individuals interested in receiving a donated tree are asked to reach out to one of our recipient partners or call 2-1-1.

About the National Museum of the Great Lakes: Founded in 1944, the Great Lakes Historical Society has published a quarterly journal Inland Seas® since 1945; operated a maritime museum since 1952; offered educational programs to the public since 1956; conducted underwater archaeological research across the Great Lakes since 2001; and managed 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.