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Marine Museum & Historic Lighthouse

The Port Burwell Marine Museum is located at 20 Pitt Street and the Historic 1840 Lighthouse is located across the street at 17 Robinson Street, Port Burwell.

The Museum opened on Friday, May 17, 2024 with new exhibits and will remain open daily through to September 2, 2024 Labour Day from 10:00 am - 5:30 pm. The seasonal Museum phone number is 519-874-4807.  Off-season information may be obtained by calling the Municipal Office.

Unfortunately due to structural concerns, the Historic Lighthouse is not currently open to visitors at this time.  Engineered stabilization practices are in place.

What's New for 2024!

The Museum's summer exhibit is worth a peek! Service and Secrets: Organizations That Help Our Communities takes a look at some of the area's service groups - from the Masons to the Knights of Pythias. Check out the Masonic apron worn by Colonel Burwell. Have a look at some Oddfellows' regalia, and read about the Lion's Club who work so hard in our community.
The Museum's permanent collection has increased over the winter! Now residing inside the museum is the 23 foot lifeboat from the Henry Steinbrenner cargo ship that sailed the Great Lakes - and it has some stories to tell!

Are you in to biking?  Our Museum is in the Ontario By Bike Network! Check it out at  By Bike Network   

2024 Children's Summer Program starts July 16th - see more details in the section below.

2024 Admission Prices (Cash only): Children 12 & Under Free; Adults (13+) $3.00 per person; Family $8.00 per family up to four 13+. Museum Season Pass $15.00 per person is valid from date of purchase until Labour Day for unlimited attendance to the Marine Museum . Groups of 10 or more, please call ahead to the Museum 519-874-4807 to book a time and for group pricing.  Off-season tours may be arranged by contacting the curator by email: curator@bayham.on.ca 

Children's programming is offered at the Marine Museum each summer for a period of six (6) weeks in July and August. The 2024 Program will be on Tuesdays from 1pm to 2pm starting on July 16th through to August 20th.  See the POSTER for more details and each week's theme.

The Port Burwell Marine Museum offers tours and educational programs designed to give a greater understanding of life along Lake Erie, as well as the role played by the Lighthouse and the people of the village and surrounding area.

Contact the Curator for more educational programs at: curator@bayham.on.ca 

Group Tours may be arranged by calling the Museum during the season at 519-874-4807.

Off-season tours may be arranged by calling the municipal office at 519-866-5521 Ext 222 Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm or by contacting the Curator at curator@bayham.on.ca  Advance notice for large group tours is required.

The Port Burwell Lighthouse is currently closed to the public due to stabilization concerns. Stabilization measures are in place while next steps are being determined. 

Donations are being accepted through the Municipal Office towards restoration efforts for the Lighthouse. 

The below meeting dates and staff reports may be referenced for additional information: 

  • February 2, 2023 Council Meeting - Staff Report CAO-11/23
  • March 23, 2023 Council Meeting - Staff Report CAO-18/23 
  • August 17, 2023 Council Meeting - Staff Report CAO-47/23 
  • November 2, 2023 Council Meeting - Staff Report TR-16/23
  • February 1, 2024 Council Meeting - Staff Report CAO-03/24
  • June 20, 2024 Council Meeting - Staff Report CAO-25/24 

Find the above noted staff reports through the corresponding agendas found through the Agendas & Minutes Page

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