Molly Sampson wrote a guest post sponsored by the Maritime Museum of Sandusky.
Molly Sampson Maritime Museum of Sandusky The Maritime Museum of Sandusky, located near downtown Sandusky, serves as a gateway to the region’s long history with Lake Erie. From commercial shipping and passenger steamers to shipwrecks, ice harvesting, and the Underground Railroad, the museum tells the stories that have shaped the shoreline.
As Executive Director—and a lifelong history buff—I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing firsthand how this museum connects people of all ages to our region’s distinct maritime heritage. Whether you’re a boat enthusiast, a local history buff, or a family looking for an afternoon adventure, there’s something for everyone.
Inside the museum, visitors can interact with exhibits that depict centuries of maritime industry and innovation. There are artifacts from 19th-century schooners, passenger steamship models, and tools used by ice harvesters who used to cut blocks from the frozen bay. Behind the scenes, we’re working on restoring a 1939 Lyman Maritime Museum CP lighthouse replicaRunabout with ties to Lay Brother’s Fishery—once finished, it’ll be a stunning example of Lake Erie craftsmanship and innovation.
Younger guests can participate in our kid-friendly activities, which include interactive knots, a scavenger hunt, and a signal station. Outside, the museum’s location just steps from downtown Sandusky makes it easy to combine a visit with a walk along Jackson Street Pier, coffee at a local café, or lunch at one of the many nearby restaurants with bay views.
The museum is more than just a building; it serves as a community hub. We hold lectures, festivals, and restoration classes throughout the year. Every August, we wrap up the summer with our Big Splash Raffle, a beloved local tradition and our largest annual fundraiser, featuring music, community spirit, and the opportunity to win big cash prizes.
Maritime Museum’s UGRR exhibit Visiting the Maritime Museum is an excellent way to learn about Sandusky’s harbor heritage and how Lake Erie has influenced the region’s culture and economics. We are proud to be a part of the Shores & Islands Ohio community, and we invite you to visit and learn about those who lived, worked, and sailed on these waters.
Molly Sampson is the Executive Director of the Maritime Museum of Sandusky. When she’s not researching WWII or sharing service stories, you can find her paddleboarding on the bay, shopping at the farmers market, or grabbing a coffee after yoga on the pier.
