Marine Museum of the Great Lakes, Kingston

The Marine Museum of the Great Lakes is a dedicated institution preserving the rich marine history of the Great Lakes. Established on August 29, 1975, the museum's mission includes the collection, conservation, and display of artifacts related to the region's marine history, shipping, and shipbuilding. Initially housed in the historic Kingston Dry Dock, a facility constructed in 1890 by the Canadian federal government within the local riding of Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald, the site itself is a significant part of the museum's narrative.

The dry dock, designated as a National Historic Site of Canada, features a solid limestone building from 1891 that once contained the drydock pumps and engines, a 1915 annex, and a smaller 1938 building, all capped by a distinctive 90-foot square stone chimney.

The museum's seven galleries offer a comprehensive exploration of the Great Lakes' maritime heritage. The temporary gallery hosts rotating exhibits, such as those commemorating the War of 1812 bicentennial. Among the six permanent galleries, the Donald Page gallery delves into various narratives, including the Age of Sail on the Great Lakes, the life of sailors, and the evolution of ship technology. The Eco Gallery addresses contemporary issues such as pollution, water diversion, conservation, invasive species, and sustainable development in relation to the Great Lakes. The Shipwreck Gallery chronicles the transition from wooden shipbuilding to modern "Lakers," providing a poignant look at maritime advances and tragedies.

The museum's significance extends beyond its exhibits. The Kingston Dry Dock, operational since 1892, was once a crucial ship construction and repair facility for the Great Lakes. Its architectural and historical value, highlighted by the towering chimney visible along the downtown waterfront, underscores Kingston's maritime legacy.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Kingston. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Marine Museum of the Great Lakes
Sight Location: Kingston, Canada (See walking tours in Kingston)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Kingston Introduction Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Kingston, Ontario

Create Your Own Walk in Kingston

Creating your own self-guided walk in Kingston is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Barriefield Heritage Village and Royal Military College Tour

Barriefield Heritage Village and the Royal Military College (RMC) in Kingston, Ontario, offer rich insights into Canada鈥檚 historical and military heritage. Connected to Kingston via a bridge across the lake, the historic Barriefield Village, established in 1814, is one of Ontario's oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods, designated as a heritage conservation district. The charming area... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Kingston Introduction Walking Tour

Kingston, Ontario, known as the "Limestone City" due to its numerous heritage buildings made from local limestone, has a rich history that began with European exploration in the 17th century. The French established a trading post and military fort in 1673 strategically located at the head of the Saint Lawrence River and the mouth of the Cataraqui River that drains into Lake Ontario. This... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles

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