Looking for a hands-on adventure that blends local history, science and a little bit of maritime magic? Head to the Great Lakes Science Center and visit a special exhibit that spotlights the historic Steamship William G. Mather, an iconic Great Lakes freighter that stood as a testament to innovation, industry and Cleveland’s manufacturing legacy.
Steam and Steel: Propelling the Future of the Great Lakes, allows visitors of all ages to participate in hands-on learning about the 100-year-old ship. Visitors can experience what it was like to steer the mighty Mather, load and unload cargo, shovel coal into a steam boiler, test their knowledge of steam whistles and learn about the fascinating mechanics behind steam power and industrial innovation.
Just outside the Science Center, you can step aboard the Mather and explore the 1925-built ship 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.
Guests can choose from a self-guided tour of the ship, 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.
Steam and Steel: Propelling the Future of the Great Lakes, runs through September 1 at the Great Lakes Science Center and is included with admission. Steamship tours are an additional cost.