Guest post sponsored by Maritime Museum of Sandusky written by Molly Sampson, Executive Director
There’s something special about standing along the shores of Lake Erie and imagining the stories carried across its waters. At the Maritime Museum of Sandusky, those stories come to life through exhibits, artifacts, and hands-on experiences that connect visitors to the region’s maritime heritage.
Beginning in May, guests will be welcomed in a new way with a short introductory film that sets the stage for their visit. Produced by First to Travel and made possible through the generous support of the Schlink Foundation, this new welcome video replaces the museum’s previous film and offers an updated introduction to Sandusky’s connection to Lake Erie.
The video is shown inside the museum’s half-scale replica of the Cedar Point Lighthouse, creating an immersive space 
where visitors begin their experience surrounded by the visual language of the lake. The setting reinforces themes of navigation, safety, and daily life on the water.
The film traces the region’s story from its geological beginnings to the present day. It opens with the formation of Lake Erie at the end of the last Ice Age, then moves through the lives of the Indigenous peoples who first navigated these waters. From there, it explores key moments in the region’s development, including the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812, the rise of steam-powered travel, and Sandusky’s role in the Underground Railroad.
As the story continues, visitors are introduced to the industries that shaped the shoreline. Commercial shipping, fishing, and boatbuilding all played defining roles in the growth of the area. The film also highlights the rise of tourism, when steamboats 
carried visitors to places like Cedar Point and the Lake Erie Islands, helping establish the region as a destination.
Drawing from the museum’s own collections, the video makes use of historic images that bring these stories to life. This includes photographs from the Gordon Wendt Collection, which document working vessels, local industries, and everyday life along the waterfront. These materials connect the film directly to the artifacts visitors will encounter throughout the museum.
For first-time visitors, the video provides a clear and engaging introduction. For returning guests, it offers a new way to experience familiar stories. It is designed to create a strong 
starting point before exploring the galleries, where those themes continue through objects, exhibits, and interactive elements.
The addition of the new welcome video reflects an ongoing effort to enhance the visitor experience while preserving the stories that define Sandusky’s waterfront. As the season begins, it offers a meaningful way to step into the history of Lake Erie and begin any visit to the Maritime Museum of Sandusky.
