Muskoka Steamship & Historical Society

Did you know…
That a registered charity owns and operates the Royal Mail Ship Segwun, Wenonah II, and Wanda III and operates the Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre?

The Muskoka Steamship & Historical Society is a membership-based not for profit registered charity whose mission is to preserve educate, and promote the traditions of the steamship, boat building, and resort era in Muskoka

HISTORY
The Muskoka Lakes Navigation Company was formed in 1866 by A. P. Cockburn as a business to run the first Muskoka steamship, Wenonah.  From 1866 – 1958, this company operated 19 different steamers that sailed the Muskoka Lakes taking people, goods and mail to the various resorts and cottages.
The Muskoka Steamship & Historical Society was originally formed on May 4, 1973 by the Ontario Road Builders Association to facilitate their fund-raising efforts to restore the R.M.S. Segwun.  This ship was built originally in 1887, as the side wheel paddle steamer Nipissing II to replace Nipissing I, which was built in 1871 and burned 1886.  The new ship inherited the machinery of the earlier vessel.  This second Nipissing was retired in 1914 following a major machinery breakdown.  It lay idle in Gravenhurst until 1925 when the vessel was extensively rebuilt.  Since the rebuilt vessel bore no resemblance to the original it was re-named, to be called Segwun, a word meaning “Springtime: in the Ojibwa language.  Segwun then sailed each summer until 1958 when declining business forced her second retirement.

In 1961, Segwun was rived somewhat to become a floating museum.  She served effectively in this role until 1969. When it became evident that the ship was deteriorating, several devoted volunteers started preliminary restoration efforts. 

It was soon apparent, however, that the task was beyond their capabilities, and in 1972, the Ontario Road Builders Association undertook the restoration project.  In spite of money shortages and other impediments over the following years, the task was completed in spring 1981 when Segwun resumed sailing.  Also in 1981 the Muskoka Lakes Navigation and Hotel Company was revived to become a commercial operator for Segwun, which they leased from the Society.  This revived Navigation Company had fifteen shareholders, who raised about $85,000 of equity capital.  In 1986, following five years of discouraging losses, these shareholders transferred their shares to the Society so that the Company became a wholly owned subsidiary.  In spring of 1982, the Ontario Road Builders withdrew from the Society in favour of a Board of Directors elected by the Society members.

In 1992, the Society built the Segwun Heritage Centre at the Gravenhurst wharf. This facility included needed office space, ticket office, gift shop and an adjacent interpretive centre, which provided an overview of the Muskoka Steamboat history.  

Also in 1992, the Society took ownership of the steam yacht Wanda III which had been built for the Eaton family in 1915 as the largest, fastest and most prestigious yacht in Muskoka.  With the help of fundraising and some grants, the Society restored the Wanda III, and she was re-launched in 1993. 

In the late 1990’s with increased demand for the Segwun cruises and the wish to have a modern ship for long-term service, the Society commissioned the building of Wenonah II, a ship licensed for 200 passengers.  She commenced service in 2002.

In 2000, the Society joined with the Town of Gravenhurst and the Evanco Company in developing the Muskoka Wharf Project at the Gravenhurst waterfront. This participation resulted in the construction of a large attraction and museum building, the Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre including the Grace and Speed Boat House. The Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre was opened in June 2006. The Centre offers an interactive experience to visitors that is unrivalled anywhere in the region and expands over 20,000 square feet, providing a glimpse into the unique aspects of Muskoka life that have attracted millions of visitors and have spawned countless memories. The state-of-the art exhibits capture the glory of the Muskoka experience, exploring the rich history of steamships, wooden boats and luxury hotels that helped define Muskoka. The Heritage Centre showcases the true spirit of the beloved lakes, which have captivated countless people for generations. If you want the "Real Muskoka Experience", there is no alternative.

Today, the Society is a private, not-for-profit registered charitable organization managed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The operations are administered by 4 full-time staff, 67 seasonal and part-time staff, and 100 volunteers who donate more than 34,000 hours per year. The Society funds its operations and educational programs by ship ticket sales, Heritage Centre admissions and room rentals, membership fees, fund raising, government grants and donations.  Donations of any size are greatly appreciated. Membership in the Society is 600 strong and growing at a steady pace. New members and volunteers are always welcome.
Through the exhibits and events at the Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre and the continued operations of the RMS Segwun, Wenonah II and Wanda III, The Muskoka Steamship and Historical Society continues the legacy of preserving, promoting and educating about the steamships, boat building and resorts of the Muskoka area for present and future generations.

For information about becoming a member of the Muskoka Steamship & Historical Society, or making a donation please click here.