The People of the PumpHouse - Great Lakes Museum

Behind the machinery were the engineers, labourers, and families whose lives were shaped by this essential service. In this talk, we’ll uncover the human stories of the PumpHouse: the workers who kept the steam engines running, the communities who relied on clean water, and the challenges they faced during fires, outbreaks of disease, and a rapidly growing city. Today, the PumpHouse Museum preserves these stories, offering a glimpse into how innovation and resilience built the Kingston we know. Join us as we walk through the social history of the PumpHouse and explore how water connected—and protected—the people of Kingston. Located at the Great Lakes Museum on 55 Ontario St, Kingston, ON. $6/person.