PLEASE NOTE: donation link after signing is NOT for this project.  It is change.org collecting donations for their platform   Not donations to a museum  

Ohio’s Boating Legacy
Ohio is a leader in the recreational boating industry, contributing $6.4 billion in economic impact to the state. At the heart of this success story is Lyman Boat Works, whose legendary wooden vessels gained superior notoriety for their craftsmanship and seaworthiness in the short chop of the Lake Erie waters.   

For almost a century, Lyman built wooden boats on the shores of Lake Erie and defined what it meant to enjoy life on the water. Their innovative designs inspired generations of boatbuilders and contributed to the rise of recreational boating as a cherished American pastime.

The Impact Today
Lake Erie’s Attraction: Thousands of boaters flock to Ohio’s Great Lake every year. Those tourism dollars boost small businesses and coastal communities all along Ohio’s Lake Erie shoreline.

Statewide Boating Communities: Ohio’s inland lakes and rivers thrive with boating activities, all influenced by trailblazers like Lyman.

A National Legacy: Lyman’s craftsmanship and spirit of innovation continue to shape the boating industry, enriching our American culture and lifestyle.

A Lyman Boat Works Museum would:

Preserve Ohio History: Safeguard and showcase Ohio’s significant contribution to recreational boating history and innovation by preserving the Lyman Boat Works archives, artifacts, and tooling. 

Boost Tourism and Economic Impact: Serve as a cultural and historical landmark in Sandusky, drawing visitors from across the country and supporting local businesses.

Create Jobs and Workforce Opportunities: Generate employment in museum operations, tourism, and related industries, while sparking interest in boatbuilding and maritime related trades.

Promote Education: Inspire students, apprentices, and enthusiasts through educational programming and hands-on exhibits that celebrate innovation and craftsmanship.

Strengthen Ohio’s Boating Identity: Reinforce Ohio’s position as a leader in the national marine economy and highlight its continued contributions to a thriving industry.

Economic Impact and Job Creation
Investing in this museum will not only honor the past but also build a future of economic growth.  Increased tourism in Sandusky equates to increased revenue for hotels, restaurants, and small businesses.

Educational initiatives will cultivate the next generation of boatbuilders, engineers, and marine industry professionals to meet tomorrow’s challenges and push the boundaries of innovation. 

New jobs in tourism and museum operations will strengthen the local workforce and community.

Call to Action:
We call upon all Federal and State stakeholders to recognize the significance of the Lyman Boat Works in shaping our boating heritage and the thriving recreational boating industry we enjoy today. By investing in the creation of a Lyman Boat Works Museum, we can preserve this history while promoting education, tourism, and economic growth.

Sign this petition to show your support for this vital piece of Ohio’s history and future. Together, we can ensure the Lyman legacy lives on, inspiring boating enthusiasts and future innovators across Ohio, the USA, and beyond.

The recreational boating industry owes its success to icons like Lyman Boat Works. Let’s honor that legacy and secure its future. Sign now, share widely, and help us make the Lyman Boat Works Museum a reality!