Celebrating 100 Years of the Steamship William G. Mather

This May, the Science Center is setting sail on a historic celebration—the centennial of the Steamship William G. Mather! For 100 years, this iconic Great Lakes freighter has stood as a testament to innovation, industry and Cleveland’s manufacturing legacy.

To celebrate, we’re presenting Steam & Steel: Propelling the Future of the Great Lakes, a brand-new exhibit developed by the Science Center that explores the past, present, and future of Great Lakes shipping and the contributions the Mather has made over the years. Through interactive displays, historic artifacts and hands-on activities this exhibition highlights the impact of steam power on shipping, the evolution of maritime technology, and the Mather’s legacy.

Steam and Steel: Propelling the Future of the Great Lakes opens May 23 and runs through September 1.

Steamship William G. Mather

Climb aboard and take your pick from three different ways to tour this restored 618-foot historic ship! See what life was like on board a working Great Lakes freighter. Explore the 1925-built Mather from stem to stern and see its huge cargo holds, brass and oak pilot house, elegant guest quarters and four-story engine room. See the captain’s quarters, where the crew members slept and the galley where meals were prepared for the crew and guests. Walk the decks overlooking the massive cargo doors, and marvel at the “engineering firsts” that helped the Mather transform Cleveland into a great industrial center. Experience the golden era of steamships on one of the best.

Guests can choose from a self-guided tour, or register for a special Hard Hat Tour for a deeper look into the inner workings of the ship. Self-guided tours are available during normal operating hours. Hard Hat Tours are held on select Saturdays and Sundays and requires advanced registration with a separate ticket.