The Great Lakes Museum is pleased to announce the S.S. Keewatin will be joining the Museum’s permanent collection in October 2023!
This historic ship, which is among the last of its kind, will be integrated into our extensive transportation collection covering the history of the Great Lakes. We’re thankful to our many supportive donors, volunteers, staff, and board members in helping us save this important artifact, and we look forward to introducing the ship to Kingston soon!
NOTE: Are you a boat owner interested in participating in a flotilla to welcome the Keewatin? Sign up here!
Facts About The Kee
- The Keewatin is an Edwardian-era (Titanic-era) steamliner formerly owned by CP Rail and built in 1907 by the Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Co Ltd. of Glasgow, Scotland.
- CP Rail steamships such as SS Keewatin ferried tourists, settlers, and cargo throughout the Great Lakes until their retirement in the 1960s. This ship is one of the last of its kind, with its sister ship having been scrapped in 1970 following a fire.
- The ship appeared on CBC’s Murdoch Mysteries, episode 701, and was featured on a 2020 Royal Canadian Mint coin.
- There have been multiple books written about The Keewatin with additional information on its technical specifications and history. We look forward to sharing this information and our own research once the ship arrives in Kingston. Join our mailing list for the latest information on our planning and preparation for the Keewatin’s arrival or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
- The Keewatin will be undergoing repairs this spring and summer before arriving at its new home in the Museum’s drydock this fall.