TOLEDO, Ohio -
Toledo is the new home of the Great Lakes Museum. Local leaders officially broke ground on that $10 million project Monday morning.
It's a project that's been years in the making. Moving the maritime history museum from Vermillion to Toledo's Marina District.
The 10,000 square foot facility will be the new home for state of the art exhibits. Leaders with the Great Lakes Historical society say they believe the museum will thrive in Toledo.
Chris Gillcrist of the Great Lakes Historical Society said, "Toledo has a rich maritime history that we hope to draw upon and it also has great support for other cultural organizations. Whether it's the Toledo Museum, Imagination Station or the Toledo Zoo, this is a town that is interested in culture and history."
This land around the Marina District is in the process of being transformed into a park. Dredging work along the bank of the Maumee is will make room for what will be the museums's largest exhibit- a ship.
Project leaders say the museum, park and ship will be a great addition to the community.
Toledo Commissioner of Engineering Services Robin Whitney said, "If you don't want to go into the museum, but you just want to come down here and stroll along the river front, there's areas where you can sit and relax."
Project leaders say a little over $6 million in grant money is helping to cover the cost. They hope to raise another $3 million for completing the project.
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