Historic steamship SS Keewatin named museum ship of the year

Now docked in Kingston, the Edwardian-era vessel reopened to the public in May 2024.

The SS Keewatin has been named Museum Ship of the Year by the Steamship Historical Society of America. 

The award honours the 1907-built steamliner’s role in preserving maritime history and its long service on the Great Lakes.

Now docked in Kingston, the Edwardian-era vessel reopened to the public in May 2024 after being acquired by the Great Lakes Museum in 2023. It once sailed between Port McNicoll and Thunder Bay for over 60 years before being retired in 1965.

The ship was saved from the scrapyard after being brought back from Michigan, renovated, and eventually moved to Kingston.

Volunteers and staff from both Port McNicoll and Kingston were recognized for their dedication to preserving the vessel.

The award will be officially presented at the museum on Saturday, July 26, at 9 a.m.

Past recipients include the battleship USS Iowa and the SS City of Milwaukee.

Read more local news stories 

Sign up for our daily local news email

More from KINGSTON Top 3

  • Kingston Weather

    Light rain

    High: 12°C | Low: 8°C