Christmas Tree Ship: Historically-inspired holiday
tradition returns to National Museum of the Great Lakes

TOLEDO, Ohio — The National Museum of the Great Lakes is holding its annual Christmas Tree Ship event, a tradition with historic roots and an emphasis on giving during the holiday season.
   The event encourages the public to purchase a live 5 to 7 foot Christmas Tree for themselves or to donate one to a community member in need. The trees are sourced from Matthes Tree Farm in Ida, Michigan. They can be pre-purchased through Sunday, Nov. 30 at 1 p.m., according to a press release from the museum. Trees are $80 each.
   On Saturday, Dec. 6, the public can watch Santa Claus arrive on a tugboat filled with Christmas trees for families.
   The event, which is centered around the giving season, also invited the public to purchase gift card donations for the museum to distribute to local organizations, including the East Toledo Family Center, Family House, Lucas County Children Services and Sylvania Area Family Services.
   Also partnering with NMGL in the project are presenters UToledo Health and the Port of Museum. The former’s help will ensure every tree or gift card donation will include a health hygiene kit for families in need, NMGL said. 
   The event will coincide with free museum admission and include a variety of family holiday events, such as the East Toledo Holiday Parade and a Meet and Greet with Santa.
   The event takes its inspiration from the historic schooner “Rouse Simmons,” which was known as the original Christmas Tree ship. Rouse Simmons sank on Nov. 23, 1912 while carrying a load of Christmas trees to Chicago. Its captain was well-known for giving trees to families in need, NMGL said on its website.
   Those who are interested in learning more about receiving a donated tree should call United Way at 211.

   For more information, or to purchase a Christmas tree, click here: https://nmgl.org/event/christmas-tree-ship25/