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MSDC Revitalization Project
DESIGNED TO STIMULATE YOUR IMAGINATION
Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre is in the middle of the largest and most transformational project in its history that will cost $9.0 Mil and open in 2023.
We are creating a very impactful Cultural Hub and Centre of Learning with 37,000 sf of educational and entertaining world class exhibits about Muskoka culture and history of interest to all peoples, all backgrounds and ages.
We need your support now!
REVITALIZATION PROGRAMS 2017-2023
Themes and Objectives
- MDC will be a stronger and even more vibrant Cultural Hub and Centre of Learning for Muskoka in the summer of 2023 with the addition of 3 world class exhibits.
- The new onsite exhibits will have environment-focused educational content and will increase awareness of and sensitivity to the environment.
- MDC is in parallel also expanding its online programming to increase its reach and impact.
- Exhibits start with thousands of years of Indigenous presence in Muskoka then followed with 200 years of non-Indigenous settlement, including the disruptive Steam Era and then take a forward look at Sustainability realities.
- This environment-centric content includes new information, multiple fact anchored perspectives that will inspire rethinking and action.
- Exhibit content has been designed to engage, educate, and entertain visitors.
HOW WE ARE TELLING THE STORY WITH THESE EXHIBITS
The Muskoka Story – A Microcosm of Canada
Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures
Profound perspective of Indigenous heritage and cultures’ thousands of year’s in Muskoka representing Indigenous communities and distinct cultures.
Evolving Muskoka: Life on the Edge of the Shield
200 years of history grounded in the precious and unique landscape and environment of Muskoka.
Wanda III
Restored and electrified Wanda III is a 107 year old working artefact on display as a symbol of the transformative steam era and life style that existed more than 100 years ago.
Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures
- Indigenous stories, told by Indigenous peoples and curated by a deeply experienced Indigenous creative team.
- Focus is on the cultures and Indigenous communities that have historic connection to the Muskoka Region.
- Recognition of Indigenous presence in Muskoka for thousands of years with their rich history and societal order.
- Conceptual canoe trip around Misko-Aki with seven stops starting with Mnjikaning fish weirs.
- Explains how Indigenous peoples have sustained natural resources to inspire others to be responsible environmental stewards.
- Creative team has 25+ years of experience with Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian.
- Inspiring and powerful contribution to the process of Truth and Reconciliation.
- Positions the Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures collaboration design and development process as a potential prototype and template for other Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities across Canada.
Evolving Muskoka: Life on the Edge of the Shield
- Design Concept and Interpretive Plan prepared by Haley Sharpe Design-highly reputed international design firm: X0021 – Muskoka FP_November 2022-2.
- Comprehensive presentation of the non-Indigenous and Indigenous history of Muskoka.
- Overarching theme of the environment with sub themes of industry, culture, tourism and community.
- Highlights points of tension between different peoples and cultures and their relationship with the environment.
- Illustrates the impact of Canadian government policy developed by Colonialists in Britain.
- Significant increase in settlement exploited Muskoka’s natural environment.
- Sustainable development involves environmental, economic and social aspects.
- Biggest threat to Muskoka’s future sustainability is climate change.
Hover over the numbers on the image below for potential exhibit topics
Environment
Settlement and Urbanization
Seasonal Lifestyle
Escapism and Leisure
Industrialization and Innovation
Wanda III
Transportation
TRANSFORMATIVE STEAM ERA (Part of the “Evolving Muskoka” Exhibit)
Technology that changed Muskoka and the World
- Introduction of steam power created a new paradigm.
- Powered: ships, trains, factories and dramatically increased accessibility and productivity around the world.
- Steam powered trains facilitated the development of Canada as a nation.
- Steamships opened up every corner of the 3 Muskoka Lakes to tourism and seasonal residence.
- Muskoka population expanded dramatically in a relatively short period of time.
- Agriculture was not successful in Muskoka, but factories and small business flourished.
- Indigenous peoples were forced out of their traditional hunting/fishing/summer territories.
- Forests were clear cut for lumber and fuel and building material for a dramatic expansion of the population.
- New factories polluted rivers and lakes before protective regulations were enforced.
WANDA III
Restored and electrified to last forever!
- 107 year old historic steam yacht, one the few remaining in North America.
- Symbol of a special era along with her sister RMS Segwun.
- Wanda III now has her first boathouse and permanent home in 63 years.
- She is being restored and will be protected from now to forever.
- She is being electrified so she can sail the Muskoka lakes starting 2022.
