In the shadow of the Toledo skyline, moored alongside the rolling landscape of International Park, a splash of history and romance await you aboard the museum ship S.S. COL JAMES M. SCHOONMAKER.
 
Upon her launching in 1911, the SCHOONMAKER was proclaimed to be “The World’s Largest Bulk Freighter.” Built at the Great Lakes Engineering Works of Ecorse, Michigan she was unsurpassed in both size and elegance. Maintaining her crown as “Queen of the Lakes” from July 1, 1911 to April 14, 1914, the SCHOONMAKER established multiple cargo records for iron ore, coal, and rye cargoes.
 
Renamed WILLIS B. BOYER in 1969, retired in 1980, and opened as a museum in 1987, the “Boyer,” as she came to be known, served as a floating testament to Toledo’s rich maritime heritage for nearly 25 years.
 
After undergoing a complete restoration in early 2011, on July 1st the vessel was rechristened to her original namesake and fleet colors at the exact moment of her launching 100 years earlier.
 
As the future centerpiece of the Great Lakes Historical Society’s National Great Lakes Maritime Museum the meticulously restored vessel will allow all who visit to witness the proud lifestyle experienced by centuries of Great Lakes sailors. Come experience the “golden age” of Great Lakes shipping aboard the largest museum ship on the inland seas.