Great Lakes Mariner Meet-Up

📍 National Museum of the Great Lakes
📅 August 15–16, 2026
Join us at the National Museum of the Great Lakes for the inaugural Great Lakes Mariner Meet-Up — a weekend dedicated to reconnecting the people who know life on the lakes best.
We’re inviting everyone who’s on the Great Lakes to this special gathering for current and former mariners to come together to share stories, revisit familiar spaces, and celebrate the community built on the Inland Seas.

Weekend Highlights
Saturday, August 15
2–5 p.m. | Department Meet-Ups Across the Fleet
Step back into your role and reconnect with your people. From the engine room to the pilothouse, mariners can gather by department throughout our vessels to swap stories, compare notes, and spend time with those who know the work best. Museum visitors are invited to explore the ships and hear firsthand Great Lakes memories from the mariners themselves.
5–7 p.m. | Mariners-Only After Hours Gathering
When the doors close, the stories keep going. Join fellow mariners for a relaxed happy hour featuring Tony Packo’s, a limited bar, and plenty of space to connect and mingle. The evening will also include remarks of gratitude and a commemorative group photo.

Sunday, August 16
9 a.m.–12 p.m. | Mariners-Only Breakfast
Start the day at the table with your crew. A continental breakfast sets the stage for reconnecting by company, sharing stories, and catching up with familiar faces. A commemorative group photo will also be offered during the morning.
2–4 p.m. | Sailing Stories: Mariners Open Mic
Take the mic or take a seat. This facilitated storytelling session invites mariners to share the moments that shaped their time on the Inland Seas — from first days on deck to the last watch. Expect laughter, reflection, unforgettable crew stories, and audience Q&A as we preserve the voices and experiences of Great Lakes mariners together.
Whether you sailed for decades or spent just one season aboard, the Great Lakes Mariners Meet-Up is a chance to reconnect with old friends, make new connections, and celebrate the shared experiences that continue to shape Great Lakes maritime culture.

Community Sponsor
International Ship Masters’ Association Toledo Lodge 9