The history of local watercraft is the history of Muskoka.
From the birchbark canoes employed by the area’s first residents to the steamships of Muskoka’s golden resort era to the state of the art watercraft of today, the region has always relied on water power.
Now the Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame and The Venue are allowing guests to immerse themselves in the story of Canada’s achievements past and present in national and internation racing.
Opened earlier this summer and located just five minutes outside of Bracebridge on Highway 118 West, the museum and event space was conceived and spearheaded by Murray Walker and Jamie Smith.
“I love antique boats of all sorts,” says Walker. “To me, they’re the perfect blend of form and function.”
Walker was raised on Lake Simcoe but eventually moved to Muskoka, calling it the best decision of his life.
He’s been collecting vintage boats of all shapes and sizes since he was in his twenties. As his collection grew he felt the need to show off Muskoka’s unique racing history to the region and to the world. The tipping point was the acquisition of Miss Supertest III, who won the Harmsworth Trophy in 1959 1960 and 1961, and was at one point the fastest propeller-driven motorboat in the world.
“Once I had Miss Supertest III I knew it couldn’t go into a boat house, it was far too important,” says Walker.
As more collectors heard word of Walker’s idea to build a Race Boat Hall of Fame in Muskoka, more collectors began to step forward with their contributions.
“They wanted to make sure their boats went to the right place and help us tell the story of boat racing that is so intertwined with Muskoka,” says Walker.
Some of the most recognized racers, builders and collectors have roots or connections in Muskoka. Walker says the exhibit at the Race Boat Hall of Fame helps connect their stories to one another and to the area.
To help in the endeavour Walker has recruited a staff that left no thing or two about the history of the region.
Ann Curley (formerly of the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst) and Courtney Provan (formerly of the Muskoka Lakes Museum in Port Carling) have both joined the team to lend their expertise.
“I love working in the museum field and I also love event work so this is the perfect combination,’ says Curley.
So far the response to the Museum and their new 4000 ft venue space has been incredible, says Curley.
“We’ve designed the venue at the Race Boat Hall of Fame to be the premier location for family gatherings including weddings, celebrations of life as well as corporate events and entrepreneurial retreats,” says Curley. “Imagine having a cocktail reception right beside some of the most iconic race boats in Canadian history.”
Featuring state of the art audio visual resources, the Venue has been designed to not only create a space for important times but also an experience for guests.
The Venue is designed as a modern event space with sweeping ceilings and an abundance of natural light. The Venue connects seamlessly to the race boat displays for a reception or it can exist without access to the boats.
Family gatherings and events benefit from built-in AV support, screens, controlled lighting and a built-in modern bar. If an outdoor component is desired, tents can be accommodated on the manicured lawns and landscaping adjacent to the building.
As a registered charity the primary goal of the Hall of Fame is to share, preserve and celebrate the diverse and notable history of Canadian race boating success.
The exhibits in the permanent and “on loan” collection include active race boats and notable champions such as Miss Supertest III – previously on display at the Ontario Science Centre.
In addition to the exhibits, the Hall of Fame will also serve as the home to boat-building groups such as the Muskoka Seaflea Club. Live workshops, gatherings and hands-on workshops will be a notable feature of the experience.
To find out more about the Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame visit their website here or call 705 708 2500 or visit at 1512 Muskoka Road 118 West.
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