The Steamship William G. Mather Museum in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, United States | Activity Centre | Museum

The Steamship William G. Mather Museum, is a retired Great Lakes bulk freighter. The ship was built in Detroit by the Great Lakes Engineering Works, River Rouge, Michigan in 1925 as the flagship for the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company. The Mather remained the Cliff's flagship until the Edward B. Green (now the Kaye E. Barker of the Interlake Steamship Company fleet) was built in 1952. She remained an active part of the Cliff’s fleet until the end of the 1980 navigation season.

In 1985, Cleveland-Cliffs sold its two remaining operating steamers to Rouge Steel Company, and gradually sold off its idle vessels until only the Mather remained. In December, 1987, the Steamship William G Mather was donated to The Great Lakes Historical Society.

The Society began preparations for the Mather's new career as a Museum ship, hence, The Steamship William G. Mather Museum. After she was brought to Cleveland, Ohio, United States, in October of 1988 and funding acquired from local foundations, corporations, and individuals, restoration began. In October 1990, she was moved to her berth at the East Ninth Street Pier on Cleveland's North Coast Harbour, and work continued. On September 24, 2005 the Mather was moved to a new location just north of the Great Lakes Science Centre at Dock 32.

Fire damage to the Mather's galley and after cabin spaces required a major restoration effort. Most of the elbow grease was supplied by volunteers who repaired, cleaned, chipped, painted, and polished brass in order to restore her to her former elegance.

On July 30, 1995 the Steamship William G Mather was dedicated as an American Society of Mechanical Engineers National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark for her 1954 installation of a single marine boiler and steam turbine engine, and her 1964 installation of the Bailey 760 Boiler Control System and American Shipbuilding AmThrust dual propeller bow thruster - both firsts for U.S.-Flag Great Lakes vessels.

You are invited to visit The Steamship William G. Mather Museum. It is worth the effort.

wgmather.nhlink.net