Kingston, Ontario’s PumpHouse Museum—one of six preserved water pumping stations in North America—stands as a facility that both celebrates Kingston’s industrial past and innovative present.
Pumps & Systems recently had the chance to speak with Melissa Cruise, city curator, heritage services, to learn more about the PumpHouse, its history and its current relevance.
When was the PumpHouse Museum founded, and what motivated its creation?
The Kingston Water Works began as a vital waterworks facility in response to public health crises and fire risks in the mid-19th century. It was constructed in 1850 and operational by 1851, when a steam-powered walking beam engine with double pumps was installed to deliver water from Lake Ontario to the city, marking a major advancement in urban infrastructure. Initially run by a private company, it was later acquired by the city of Kingston in 1887, and they quickly worked to expand and modernize the water pumping system. First, they constructed a water tower, then commissioned the Osborne Killey manufacturing company in 1888 to build a cross-compound sliding valve engine with a riding cut off, which was installed in 1890. They extended intake pipes, added filters, replaced half of the city’s water pipes with larger diameter pipes and in 1896, purchased a second backup pump for the Osborne Killey engine. It was purchased from John Inglis and Sons (today Whirlpool Canada). The John Inglis engine had a Corliss valve which made the machine more efficient and increased the pumping capacity of the engine to 5 million gallons of water per day.
The facility remained in use until 1952, when a new water purification plant rendered it obsolete. Decades later, in 1970, local advocates of the Frontenac Society of Model Engineers, led by Jack Telgmann, initiated its restoration, and in 1973, it was reopened as the Pump House Steam Museum during Kingston’s Tercentenary celebrations. The city formally took over its management in 2006, renaming it the PumpHouse.
What are some notable exhibits the museum has had over the years?
Since the city of Kingston resumed management of the PumpHouse Museum in 2006, the site has become a vibrant hub for diverse and engaging exhibitions that reflect both local heritage and global perspectives. Notable loaned exhibitions have included Egypt: Gift of the Nile from the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), which brought ancient history to life on Kingston’s waterfront, and Refuge Canada from the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, which offered a powerful look at the refugee experience in Canada. Currently on display until April 2026 is Dinosaurs Among Us, an extraordinary panel exhibition from the American Museum of Natural History, complemented by supporting artefacts from the ROM—an exciting blend of science and storytelling that appeals to all ages.
The PumpHouse has also produced compelling in-house exhibitions through its curatorial team, such as Ashes to Innovation, an interactive exploration of Kingston Fire and Rescue’s history; Brewers, Bakers and Boilermakers, which delves into Kingston’s industrial roots and The Art of Survival, a moving art exhibition created in partnership with the Prison for Women Memorial Collective. These exhibitions showcase the museum’s commitment to STEAM philosophy, integrating science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics in ways that are accessible, thought-provoking and community driven.
We have a permanent train exhibition at the PumpHouse, the Swyrich Train Room, which is home to an elaborate, multilevel O scale train can be set in motion by the push of a button, a small, but mighty N scale train set showcases impressive miniatures and the HO scale train set from the opening of the iconic CBC children’s show ‘The Friendly Giant’ is on display.
Together, these exhibitions position the PumpHouse as Kingston’s Museum—a place where residents and visitors alike can engage with a wide range of topics, from ancient civilizations to contemporary social issues, all within beautifully preserved historic waterworks.
What kinds of educational programs does the museum offer?
The PumpHouse Museum offers a rich and varied slate of educational programs designed to engage learners of all ages and interests. Whether you are a curious toddler, a school-aged student, a lifelong learner or a family looking for a fun outing, the museum has something for everyone. Programs range from site-based and neighborhood walking tours to baby and toddler activities, school visits and family-focused events—all thoughtfully designed to make learning accessible and enjoyable.
Current school and group programs include:
- Water Water Everywhere – exploring the science and history of water systems
- Simple Machines – hands-on learning about basic engineering concepts
- Fossils & Feathers – a paleontology-inspired program linking birds and dinosaurs.
These programs reflect the museum’s current exhibitions and the programming team’s commitment to the STEAM philosophy and are designed to be both curriculum-connected and community-oriented.
The museum also hosts special events, workshops and adults-only evenings, ensuring that learning and engagement continue beyond the classroom and allows experts an opportunity to engage with community members.
Do you have any notable stories to share from the museum’s history that might interest our readers?
- One particularly rare and remarkable fact is that, despite being an industrial site operating for over a century, the records show very few injuries and no fatalities—a rarity for facilities of its kind. The most notable incident involved the engineer’s son, who injured his foot and reportedly lost a toe, a small but memorable footnote in the site's operational history.
- Among the many colorful characters tied to the PumpHouse’s legacy, Felix Lennon, a former fireman of the waterworks, stands out as a particularly memorable figure. Known for his dedication to the job—and for enjoying more than a few tipples while on duty—Felix was once formally written up for his on-the-job indulgences. His story adds a very human layer to the museum’s history, reminding us that behind the machinery and infrastructure were real people with quirks, habits, and personalities.
- During the 1970s restoration, when the building was in a state of serious disrepair, one volunteer quite literally fell through the floor—a vivid reminder of the dedication and effort it took to bring the space back to life. That moment underscores the passion of the community members who helped preserve the site for future generations.
- Perhaps most impressively, the 1917 electric pumps—installed over a century ago—are still in use in Kingston today, a testament to the durability and ingenuity of early 20th-century engineering. Their continued operation speaks volumes about the quality of the technology and the foresight of those who implemented it.
Why do you think the museum is an important addition to the community?
The PumpHouse Museum is an important addition to the Kingston community because it strikes a beautiful balance between preserving the city’s industrial heritage and creating a welcoming, inclusive space for exploration and learning. It celebrates the ingenuity of a bygone era through its historic steam-powered waterworks, while offering access to a wide variety of exhibitions that span local, national and international topics. This duality—nostalgia and innovation—makes the museum truly special.
What’s most heartwarming is how deeply the PumpHouse is woven into the fabric of the community. Just this past year, the museum welcomed many “fresh” babies for their very first museum visit—a testament to how comfortable and accessible the space feels to families. It is a place where people come not only to learn, but to feel at home. The exhibitions draw people in, and the beloved Swyrich Train Room and Discovery Centre keep them coming back, sparking joy across generations.
Ultimately, the PumpHouse is more than a museum—it’s Kingston’s Museum. It’s a space where history comes alive, where curiosity is nurtured and where everyone, from toddlers to lifelong learners, can find something that speaks to them.
Is there anything else you’d like readers to know about the museum or the history it preserves?
The PumpHouse Museum is a space where history truly comes alive for the city of Kingston. Housed in one of North America’s oldest preserved water pumping stations, it offers a rich blend of heritage and innovation that speaks to visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you're drawn to the awe-inspiring steam engines that once powered Kingston’s water supply, the joyful intricacy of the model train room or the rotating exhibitions that explore everything from local stories to global themes, there’s something here for everyone.
It’s not just a place to learn about the past; it’s a place to explore how history connects with the present and future. The PumpHouse is also deeply committed to accessibility and inclusion, working hard to break down barriers by bringing diverse exhibitions and experiences to Kingston’s waterfront.
At its heart, the PumpHouse is a celebration of Kingston’s civic foundations—preserving the building that helped shape the city’s infrastructure, while inviting new generations to engage with its stories. Whether you're a history buff, a curious child, an art lover or a train enthusiast, the PumpHouse welcomes you into a space where curiosity is encouraged and community is celebrated.
If you would like to learn more about the PumpHouse, or plan your own visit, more information can be found on our website https://www.kingstonpumphouse.ca/.
