Themes and Exhibits
Our list of permanent exhibits is still in development. The ones listed below ones have a high likely hood being in the building when it opens. They are just examples. There will be much more.
Showcase the environment and heritage of the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands.
The New Maritime Discovery Centre will showcase the unique ecosystems of the 1000 Islands region of the St. Lawrence River. The new facility will be designed to offer visitors of all ages hands-on learning opportunities about the wonders of water, our natural environment and the nautical world.
For example:·
Otters – North American River Otters used to be very common in the 1000 Islands and are still seen here today. A pair of these intelligent and active creatures could have a future home in the MDC.
· Aquarium - A “walk through” aquarium containing the most note worthy of the fish species swimming right off shore. See the majestic sturgeon, mysterious American eel, pike, musky and many more.
Visitors will be introduced into the complexities of water and how it has influenced the history and culture of the area. They will learn about what lies beneath the depths of the St. Lawrence River and the role water plays in helping to preserve shipwrecks and our underwater heritage. Visitors will venture "inside" the St. Lawrence where they will begin their own personal voyage of discovery.
Inspire a sense of wonder about the world of seamanship and navigation through exploration and discovery for people of all ages.
For hundreds of years the St. Lawrence River was the primary highway for those wishing to explore the interior of North America. As the level of commerce grew so did the canoes, boats and ships that plied the water. When those boats grew too large to navigate the river the local inhabitants started to change the very course of the river itself. From Tall Ships to Freighters the Centre will help visitors understand the challenges, and risks, that the sailors of day, and yesterday, faced..
For example:
· Ship Simulator – Ever wanted to control a 700 ft lake freighter as it threads its way through the confusing and dangerous 1000 Islands? One of the exhibits we are developing is a full bridge reconstruction, based on the gigantic ships passing by outside, with a realistic simulated view from the bridge as you steer it up/downstream.
Educate and raise awareness about one of Canada’s longest rivers and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
Why is water so important to all of us? Where does the water in the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes come from? What is the relationship between humans and water? What is the life cycle of our lakes, rivers and marshes? What animal and plant species rely on water for their survival? How do we detect water pollution? How do we help conserve and protect our freshwater for future generations? One key goal of the Centre is to try and answer many of these important questions for students and adults alike by allowing people of all ages to learn-by-doing through interpretive demonstrations, educational programs and hands-on interaction with their natural environment.
For example:
·
Stream Tank – get a hands on feel for how water shapes the landscape as you create your own river.
· Interactive Theatre – talk with a diver in the river outside, or one a half a world away, with the web enabled, interactive features of our comfortable theatre
· St. Lawrence Cameras – control your own camera on the river’s bottom to see what is happening right now. Watch the “big ones” swim around a 200 year old wreck or the bottom of a “Laker” as it steams overhead
Entertain visitors in a fun and engaging way about the 1000 Islands Region and to encourage repeat visits to the facility.
Imagine a place where you could have fun learning about everything there is to know about our magnificent 1000 Islands region.
So the next time your boating, diving, walking on an island, or simply gazing out at the St. Lawrence River you will have a much deeper appreciation of the world above and below the water line!
For example:
·
Dive Tank – how about talking to a diver in the dive tank. Interact with divers as they receive training in underwater archaeology and photography. When they are done pilot your own remote vehicle on a mission to recover artifacts.
· Banquets – the Centre should have room for up to 250 people for banquets and weddings after hours.
· Sleepovers – take your best friends for an unforgettable night
· Birthday parties – Can't beat the ambience.
· Summer Camps – centred around the MDC’s programs these will be camps filled with adventure