Pump House Steam Museum

The Pump House at 23 Ontario Street, which opened officially in 1973, was restored by the Frontenac Society of Model Engineers as their centennial gift to the City of Kingston.

Upon entering the building, a visitor easily steps back to the era when steam power was king. Not only will one see the two engines discussed on this Web site in operation, but a variety of smaller industrial steam engines both in full and model sizes may be viewed.

These engines provided power for such operations as canning factories, knitting machines, locomotive manufacturers, anchor winches, generators, and steam boats. Additionally, the bits and pieces which formed the fabric of a steam plant are on display for closer examination.
1800s WATERWORKS TECHNOLOGY

Try a traditional woodworking tool in the Cabinetmaker’s Workshop of the Pump House Steam Museum. Galleries include the Gordon C. Leitch Discovery Centre and over 1400 feet of “O” scale model train tracks.
HOURS

June 14 to September 3, 2006
Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Besides a museum of the old pump house for Kingston’s water, it’s a hands on physics demonstration. It has a number of fun little, push the button, pull the lever type activities. It was originally contracted to a private water company to provide water for 50 years but had to be bought out because of under-service. Just goes to show the dangers of private enterprise and fundamental public needs.
And there’s a bonus model trains section!
We had a pass from the library but didn’t need it because, admission was by donation.

Good new for residents- we may now visit many of our museums, galleries and historic sites with just your library card. As part of a very popular initiative, by obtaining a pass from any library branch, we may visit a chosen location within a week. Good for 2 adults and kids. check out kfpl.ca for more info!
experiencing local sites has just gotten easier!

(i should get paid for this)