National Museum of the Great Lakes Announces Expansion, New Leadership

In a “State of the Museum” update in the museum’s Theater Gallery, the National Museum of the Great Lakes reviewed the museum’s last decade of growth and achievements and announced plans for a 5,000 square foot expansion, and well as a new organizational structure, with current Senior Director of Institutional Advancement Kate Fineske taking over as Executive Director starting January 1, 2024, steering the museum’s growth and operations as it faces a new period of expansion.

“We’ve seen steady growth since opening our doors in Toledo nearly a decade ago and feel fortunate to have Kate Fineske’s leadership as we look towards our next decade of growth,” said Board Vice Chair and Port of Monroe Director Paul LaMarre, who has played an integral role in the museum’s growth and success since the early days of its inception. “When the museum’s longtime executive director Chris Gillcrist began conversations around his eventual retirement, there was not a doubt in our minds that Kate was the right individual to fill his shoes. The increased local visibility after the opening of Glass City Metroparks gave us confidence that the time was right to not just grow physically but also adjust our leadership in a way that will allow us to continue to grow our connections locally and across the Great Lakes region.” 

Chris Gillcrist, who has led the museum as Executive Director since 1999, will become Emeritus Diretor primarily focused on driving the museum’s historical programming, while the museum’s current Director of Education and Visitor Experience, Ellen Kennedy, will serve as the Director of Museum Operations.

The 5,000 square foot expansion expected to start in Spring 2024 will provide additional permanent exhibit space, dedicated room for temporary exhibits, and a new Great Lakes Community Education Center.

“We started planning for this growth just prior to the pandemic with an anticipated cost of around $3.8 Million. Post pandemic era costs have caused that number to rise to $5.5 Million and, to date, we have raised over $4 Million of the necessary funds,” stated Kate Fineske. “What’s more, we are extremely proud that over 75% of those funds raised are derived from sources outside of Lucas County—revenue directly benefiting the people of greater Toledo.” 

The organization has also secured over half a million dollars designated to further education growth connected to their expansion including a $100,000 gift from longtime supporters Todd and Molly Sommers and a $500,000 gift from the Clement O Miniger Memorial Foundation.

For more information, visit nmgl.org.