Christmas Tree Ship - Get a Tree, Give a Tree, Donate Towards Holiday Needs

On November 23, 1912, the schooner Rouse Simmons sank while carrying Christmas trees. Known as the Christmas Tree Ship, her captain, Herman E. Schuenemann (a.k.a. “Captain Santa”), was known for giving trees to families in need.

This is the inspiration behind the National Museum of the Great Lakes annual Community Giveback Event—The Christmas Tree Ship on December 7, 2024. This year, thanks to the generosity of The UToledo Health, museum admission will be FREE to visitors all day long! Make a memory to last a lifetime by watching Santa arrive at the museum’s dock aboard a Geo. Gradel Co. tugboat delivering a Christmas Tree into your hands or the hands of someone in need.

GET a tree, GIVE a tree, or DONATE towards holiday needs! For every holiday support donation, UToledo Health will match your gift with a healthy hygiene kit for community members in need.

Click here to learn more about the Christmas Tree Ship Community Giveback Event.

Presenting Sponsor:

Supported by Port of Monroe