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, a guided tour held daily at 12:30 p.m., or register for a special Hard Hat Tour for a deeper look into the inner workings of the ship. Self-guided tours and the daily guided tour are available during normal operating hours. Guided tours are on a first-come, first-served basis and reservations are not required. Hard Hat Tours are held on select Saturdays and Sundays and requires advanced registration with a separate ticket.
Hard Hat Tours
$45 per person ($35 members)
9 a.m., advanced registration required
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 25, 31
Saturdays and Sundays, June – August 24
This tour allows access to areas of the ship not included in self or guided tours. Cost includes general admission to the Science Center and admission to the public areas of the Mather after the tour. Hard Hat Tours require our guests to wear shoes or boots that are close-toed with a fully enclosed heel. Guests will be given hard hats and safety glasses to be worn during the tour. Ages 10 and older only.
Steam and Steel
