Fundraising - Muskoka Steamships & Historical Society
The Muskoka Steamships and the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre benefit Muskoka residents and cottagers as well as offering a first class experience to individuals and groups from all over North America and, indeed, from around the world. Through continued funding and support, from individuals, corporations and government we sustain delivery of excellent educational programs and interactive displays that offer visitors insight into Muskoka's social, economic, steamship, boat building and cultural history. Donations allow us to continue existing offerings and develop new programs at the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre as well as assist us in the maintenance and operations of the Muskoka Steamships Segwun, Wenonah II and Wanda III. Donations may be:
- A Gift of Cash
- A Gift of Securities
- A Gift –in-Kind
- Planned Gifts and Bequests
Donations may be made through
Cathy Tait 185 Cherokee Lane, Gravenhurst Ontario, P1P 1Z9
Phone: (705) 687-6667 / 1-866-687-6667
For additional information please e-mail us.
Founders & Benefactors
This multi level gift opportunity, “A Time for The Real Muskoka Experience” invites people with a strong attachment to “life on the water” of Muskoka to participate as a Founder or Benefactor of the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre. Gifts received from Founders and Benefactors will be used to help secure our operating future and will be used where they are most needed.
Founding members are recognized on the Ditchburn Wall, in perpetuity through one of the following recognition opportunities:
- Platinum….. $100K
- Gold….. $50K
- Silver….. $25K
- Bronze….. $10K
Benefactor Opportunities
In addition to Founder gifts Benefactors may choose to designate their gift as a “naming gift” to name one of several exhibits at The Real Muskoka Experience. An example would be naming the classroom where we will provide educational programs for children, youths and adults. Benefactors are recognized on the Ditchburn Wall.
A charitable tax receipt will be provided for all gifts. For more information please e-mail us.
- Fundraising
- Membership
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Corporate Membership
- Junior Membership
- Historical Society Awards
- The Real Muskoka Story
- Friends of the Society
- Directors, Committees & Staff
Did you know?
- The R.M.S. Segwun continues to be recognized by Canada Post as a "Royal Mail Ship" and that mail can be hand-franked or cancelled from the ship as they did more than 100 years ago.
- In 1974, the Segwun was recommissioned by Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau.
- In 1996, the Wanda III Steam Yacht was recommissioned by Prime Minister Jean Chretien.
- The Segwun's coal comes all the way from Kentucky.
- Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre opened in 2006 and celebrates Muskoka's steamship era, grand resorts and hotels and the region's rich boat-building history.
- Wenonah II is Canada's newest passenger vessel combining turn-of-the-century charm with modern conveniences such as air-conditioning and an on board elevator.
- The Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre is home to North America's largest in-water display of antique and classic boats.
- The ship's private label wine is one of the few given permission by the LCBO to be sold in stores throughout Ontario.
- In 2001 and 2002, the Segwun won the award of "Best Large Attraction" by Attractions Canada.
- In 1988, the Segwun won the prestigious "Phoenix Award" presented by the Society of American Travel Writers. Recipients are chosen for their outstanding efforts in preservation and conservation.
- In years past, a steamship purser used to take tickets as passengers boarded. Today, our Purser is responsible for all guest services on board including your dining experience.
- The Segwun used to carry passengers, freight and mail to a variety of ports on the Muskoka lakes before the days of the automobile.
- Each year, the Segwun and Wenonah II host upwards of 30 memorable wedding ceremonies and receptions.
- In recent years the shift to air transport for mail has left only three ships with the right to the prefix; RMS Segwun, which serves as a passenger vessel in Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada, RMS St Helena, which serves the island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic,[9] and RMS Queen Mary 2. QM2 was conferred "RMS" by Royal Mail when she entered service in 2004 on the Southampton to New York route as a gesture to Cunard's history – The RMS Segwun is the oldest Royal Mail Ship in the world.