Inland Seas Maritime Museum - Vermillion, OH - Maritime Museums on Waymarking.com

The Great Lakes Historical Society was founded in Cleveland, Ohio. In May 1944, a group of individuals dedicated to Great Lakes history decided to organize a Society to preserve and make known this rich history. Clarence S. Metcalf, then director of the Cleveland Public Library, was a driving force in establishing the Society. For a time the early "museum" was located at a branch of the Cleveland Public Library. As the Society's artifacts and archives grew, it became necessary to find a new home for the Society and museum.

In 1953, Commodore Albert F. Wakefield, who owned the Wakefield Lighting Company in Vermilion, donated his magnificent home, "Harbor View," to Bowling Green State University. This home and property was located at the end of Main Street on the Lake Erie shoreline in Vermilion. BGSU, in turn, leased the site to The Great Lakes Historical Society. Eventually, the Society purchased the building from BGSU in 1979. Built in 1909, Harbor View is listed on the National Historic Register. Today it houses the Clarence S. Metcalf Research Library downstairs, and the Society's administrative offices upstairs.

In 1967-68, a unique two-floor wing was added to Harbor View, which is now the Inland Seas Maritime Museum. This wing allows for more exhibit space and expanded library space in the Wakefield home.

In June 1992, a replica of the 1877 Vermilion Lighthouse that once stood at the entrance to Vermilion Harbor was erected and dedicated on the Society's property. The lighthouse has become a symbol of Vermilion.

Museum Address: 480 Main Street Vermillion, Ohio USA 44089 Museum Website: [Web Link] Cost: 6.00 (listed in local currency) Hours of Operation: Hours of Operation and Admission Prices 10AM to 5PM Most Days. The Inland Seas Maritime Museum is open seven days a week, 361 days per year. It is closed on New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

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