Great Lakes Museum Marks 50 Years with Community Celebration

The Great Lakes Museum in Kingston celebrated its 50th anniversary on March 3, 2024, with an engaging event that highlighted its deep-rooted connection to the community and maritime heritage. The museum opened its doors to the public for a day filled with activities aimed at families and visitors, including children’s games and booths from various local organizations such as the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps, Canada’s Penitentiary Museum, and Parks Canada.

Live music from the local brass band, Brass Over Tea Kettle, entertained guests with unique renditions of popular tunes. The event also featured behind-the-scenes guided tours, which were particularly popular among attendees. Local food vendors offered a variety of dishes, enhancing the festive atmosphere, which included a celebratory birthday cake.

For this special occasion, the museum provided exclusive 20-minute “Sneak Peek” tours of the S.S. Keewatin, recognized as the world’s last surviving Edwardian-era passenger steamship. These tours were offered at a discounted rate, allowing visitors to gain unique insights into the ship’s history.

Celebrating Maritime Heritage

Bep Schippers, the executive director of the Great Lakes Museum, emphasized the significance of the celebration, noting that it reflects the enduring relationship between the museum and the community. “For half a century, we’ve been preserving these important stories, and with the addition of the S.S. Keewatin to our collection, we will continue this legacy for generations to come,” Schippers stated.

Founded in 1975 by a group of divers engaged in underwater archaeology in Lake Ontario, the museum has expanded significantly over the years. It now occupies a historic waterfront property at 55 Ontario St., which holds historical importance as the site of Canada’s first dry dock on the Great Lakes. Visitor Experience Manager Claire Notman highlighted this significance, saying, “Many Kingstonians aren’t aware that we are a National Historic Site, with much of the original features and machinery still intact from the original 1890s construction.”

The museum retains its original steam engines and pumps, which were used to empty the dry dock, described by Notman as “engineering marvels.” Guests were allowed to view these historical pieces closely, located 15 feet below lake level.

Collaboration and Special Tours

In a coincidental alignment, Kingston and the 1000 Islands Cruises also marked their 50th anniversary this year. According to the Great Lakes Museum board chair, Kelly Pope-Wiley, the two attractions collaborated to offer special historical cruises. “The Shipwreck Tours have been running all summer and will continue into October,” Wiley explained. “A tour guide uses digital photography of the shipwrecks to explain what happened to the vessel as the tourists cruise right over the actual site of the sunken ships.”

The Great Lakes Museum continues to serve as a vital resource for preserving and sharing the maritime history of the region, engaging the community through events and educational offerings. For more information, visit the museum’s website at greatlakesmuseum.ca.