Toledo council honors 50th anniversary of SS Edmund Fitzgerald; museum outlines remembrance events
November 05, 2025 | Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio
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The resolution, sponsored by Councilwoman Cassandra McPherson, Councilwoman Teresa Morris, and Councilman Sarantu, notes the Fitzgerald s deep ties to Toledo and honors the 29 crew members who died in the storm on Nov. 10, 1975. The council voted to adopt the resolution under unanimous consent.
Kathy Finsky, executive director of the National Museum of the Great Lakes, told the council the museum is organizing a three-day slate of commemorative events to connect residents and visitors to Toledo s maritime history. "We are bringing hundreds of people here," Finsky said, describing book signings, docent tours using the Colonel James M. Schoonmaker to discuss similarities with the Fitzgerald, and a sold-out panel in which relatives and former crew will speak.
Tom Walton, who served on the Fitzgerald several years before the tragedy and whose uncle Grant Walton was lost in the sinking, gave a personal account of the ship and the community s loss. "It's important that we not forget this," Walton said, recalling the ship's connection to Toledo as a home port and the lasting effect on families in the region.
The museum will screen an original documentary about the crew and life aboard the Fitzgerald and will present a panel discussion that includes Walton and other relatives. Finsky said events include partnerships with local businesses and cultural venues and will provide an economic draw for Toledo during the weekend of remembrance.
The council closed the item by thanking the museum and the family members who attended and noting a ceremonial photo opportunity following the meeting.
The resolution was adopted; the museum's schedule lists book signings, a public documentary screening, a panel discussion and related community events over the anniversary weekend.
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