The Port Burwell Marine Museum is OPEN for visitors!  

We welcome new and returning visitors to our community! 

PORT BURWELL MARINE MUSEUM & HISTORIC (1840) LIGHTHOUSE

The Museum is open daily 10:00am - 5:30pm mid-May through to Labour Day.  Contact:  519-874-4807.  Unfortunately due to structural concerns, the Historic Lighthouse will not be open to visitors this year.

2023 Themed Display - "The Eternal Battle: Erosion and Weathering on the Shores of Lake Erie"

There is a new display at the Museum for the 2023 season featuring pictures and information on erosion and weathering and how it affects our surroundings.  

Children's Program

Children's programming is offered each summer for a period of six (6) weeks in July and August.  This year's program was a great success - already planning for next year.

2023 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 valid from date of purchase until Labour Day for unlimited attendance to the Marine Museum and  $15.00 per person.  Groups of 10 or more, please call ahead to the Museum 519-874-4807 to book a time and for group pricing .

Museum Tours and Educational Programs 

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 

Canada Day 2023 - Children's Craft at the Museum

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 group  tours is required.

Past Projects

Exhibit at Queen's Park, Toronto from August - December 2019 

Theme:  "Port Burwell and Commercial Fishing on Lake Erie"

Pictures of past Children's Program Fun - "Glitter Bomb Day", "Turtle Habitat Day" and "Scavenger Hunt - Games Day"

Port Burwell is situated on the north shore of Lake Erie. The Big Otter Creek has been a major factor in the history of this port. The timber boom also led to a thriving ship building industry. Seventy-one sailing ships are recorded to have been built at Port Burwell during the 19th century. Not only lumber ran out, the arrival of the railroad around 1900 increased the importance of the harbour for the shipping of coal from Pennsylvania.

The museum's abundant collection of historic artifacts, incredible collection of lighthouse lenses including the rotating fresnel lens and period photographs facilitate a look into Port Burwell's past and spur memories of the port's earlier days. Visitors to Port Burwell, as well as local residents, will enjoy a fascinating collection of stories depicting the town's history and its relation to the marine life of Lake Erie.

The Marine Museum and Historic Lighthouse is a tribute to the history in Port Burwell. Local volunteers and summer students, who keep the traditions and history of their village alive, staff the museum. The museum is open May Victoria Day Weekend to September Labour Day.

 The Wheelhouse is in place at the Marine Museum.  The Port Burwell Historical Society (PBHS) acquired the Wheelhouse and it is placed at the Museum for further refurbishing and future inclusion in the outside artifact displays.  The Wheelhouse is available for viewing from the exterior only at this time.  

The Municipality of Bayham gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario in providing funding to assist in the hiring of museum summer students.

Elgin County Heritage Centre

The Elgin County Museum exists to promote Elgin County's rich historical and agricultural heritage by acquiring, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting artifacts pertaining to the history of the County of Elgin; and to provide leadership and support to County museums in the promotion of a heritage partnership.

The Heritage Centre is located at 460 Sunset Drive, next to the Elgin County Administration Building.  Cycling: An Unspoken History  Selections from the Rick Wolfe Collection on display Monday, February 20, 2023 to August 2023

Velocipedes, high wheels and safeties from the earliest years of the cycling craze in the 1860s right through to the 1920s. Includes the only known example of the Lamson, one of the world’s earliest motorcycles. Also featuring trophies, medals, period posters, advertising novelties, and many accessories including oil lamps, horns, and costumes. Tools and equipment from the period can be found in a recreated “repair shop.” 

Visit: www.elgincounty.ca/museum and the www.elgincounty.ca/archives for historical information, photographs and virtual displays.

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