National Museum of the Great Lakes
1701 Front St.
Toledo, OH 43605
On November 23, 1912, the schooner Rouse Simmons sank while carrying Christmas trees. Known as the Christmas Tree Ship, her captain, Herman E. Schuenemann (a.k.a. “Captain Santa”), was known for giving trees to families in need.
This is the inspiration behind the National Museum of the Great Lakes annual Community Giveback Event—The Christmas Tree Ship. This year, thanks to the generosity of The University of Toledo Medical Center, museum admission will be FREE to visitors all day long! Make a memory to last a lifetime by watching Santa arrive at the museum’s dock aboard a Geo. Gradel Co. tugboat delivering a Christmas Tree into your hands or the hands of someone in need.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Leading up to the Community Giveback Day