The Portal View is a shipping container repurposed to provide an education experience about the Great Lakes and the maritime industry’s past and future.
It opens to the public on May 22 (that’s National Maritime Day) and is located right outside of the Port of Detroit, between Hart Plaza and the Renaissance Center.
The container will be home to Great Lakes maritime artifacts, educational boards, and an interactive computer provided by Boat Nerd.
“As an economic engine, the Port of Detroit is an integral part of our region’s success,” said John Loftus, DWCPA executive director. “This container project is a great opportunity for the public, and school groups, to learn about the Great Lakes and the shipping industry.”
Some lucky students will be able to take a look at Portal View first. On April 24, as part of Science Under Sail, an environmental education program, Detroit Public School and Romulus Community School students in third through sixth grade will be touring the Detroit River on the Appledore IV. That’s a two-masted schooner, docked at the DWCPA facility.
The project was made possible through a partnership with the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. Support came from General Motors, Three Squared, Inc., the Maritime Recycling Corporation, the Great Lakes Maritime Institute, and Boat Nerd, the DWCPA was able lead the production of Portal View.