Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology National Historic SiteDigital Doors Open Hamilton Region

  • In-person
  • Digital Doors Open
  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities
  • Videos
  • Virtual tours
  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology National Historic Site

The Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology is the site of the original 1859 Hamilton Waterworks. The museum features two 13.7-metre high (45 feet), 70-ton steam-powered pumping engines that supplied the city with clean drinking water from 1859 to 1910. Made in Dundas, these engines are the oldest surviving examples of their kind in North America today.

The Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology is located in Hamilton’s first public waterworks — the only surviving intact mid-19th-century waterworks in North America. Its major buildings have all been preserved — the pumphouse, boilerhouse, chimney and woodshed. The pumphouse contains two 70-ton beam engines — the oldest in Canada in their original location. The grand scale and detail of the complex reflect a civic pride characteristic of mid-19th century Hamilton. The pumphouse and boilerhouse were built of rusticated limestone. Note the classical details and bull’s-eye windows. The 46-metre (150-foot) chimney was constructed with a brick shaft on a stone pedestal. This is a living museum that interprets the history of 19th-century Victorian waterworks and steam engine technology. It became a National Historic Site in 1977. During Digital Doors Open, watch the video below to see the life of Canada’s early industrial revolution. Or explore the site through this informative virtual tour.

Contact info

900 Woodward Avenue
Hamilton, Ontario
E-mail: Richard.Barlas@hamilton.ca
https://www.hamilton.ca/steammuseum

Architecture

Year built: 1859
Building type:Historical landmarkMuseum
Architect: Thomas Coltrin Keefer
Architectural style:ItalianateRenaissance revivalVictorian

Dates/hours open

May 05, 10:00am - May 05, 04:00pm

Sunday only: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.