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.