What goes into running a maritime museum? For the Maritime Museum of BC, it’s you!
Feb 25, 2025
Nearing 70 years in operation, the Maritime Museum of BC is ready to set sail towards the next 70 years. For its fifth year, the Float the Boat campaign aims to raise $25,000 for museum operations.
From 17 February to 18 March, museum supporters, staff, volunteers, and board members will share exactly what goes in to operating the MMBC every day, and how you can be a stepping stone to their future in Victoria’s harbour.
What could be saltier than a miniature sailboat in a tank? Each milestone on the way to $25,000 will be marked with a live video filling the tank with more and more water. Donating to Float the Boat supports the everyday operations that impact every project, program, and opening day at the MMBC. Help float the boat here.
Photo courtesy of the Maritime Museum of BC.
“It’s important that the public knows just how impactful even a small donation is to a non-profit museum like the MMBC,” said Board Chair Wendy Moreton, “we’re charting a future in the harbour with The Future of History project, but we can’t take the next steps without you on board.”
The MMBC recently announced its formal joint working group with the Songhees Nation and the Xʷsepsəm (Esquimalt) Nation with the vision to restore the Steamship Building in Victoria’s harbour to the public. With a re-imagined maritime museum and floating Lekwungen welcome centre and exhibit space, The Future of History and building tenancy is currently being negotiated with the provincial government.
Associate Director Donna Livingstone is a champion of what can be accomplished in the interim in the MMBC’s storefront space at 744 Douglas Street: “we’re working on the initiatives and projects now that will put the wind in our sails for a future home in the harbour. From wrapping up years-long archive digitization projects that open up access to 554 linear feet of archives and 35,000 objects, to developing completely unique maritime programming for everyone who wants a little more salt in their life, what makes a difference is always you, our MMBC supporters.”
Photo courtesy of The Maritime Museum of BC
The year ahead is a busy one for the MMBC: it’s also a major milestone celebration. On 18 April, the MMBC will celebrate 70 years of operations with an admission-by-donation Community Day and special events.
“Float the Boat with us, and propel the MMBC towards our next 70 years,” said Moreton.
Fundraising directly supports museum operations, including:
• Caring for 35,000 objects and 554 linear feet of archives, and making digitized catalogues accessible to researchers and maritime enthusiasts around the globe.
• Taking a great salty idea and turning it into an exhibit bridging historical and contemporary maritime topics—like the upcoming The Marine Art of John Horton: from Nine to Ninety exhibit launching April 4.
• Nurturing the maritime spirit of all visitors, with public programs for ages and curriculum-focused school programs for youth. A full calendar is available here.
• Opening seven days a week from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM, with newly installed push-button door openers making the museum more accessible to all. Information for the Public
Join in the fun by contributing today: float the boat and put the wind in our sails for 2025! Donate here.
Float the Boat Runs: 17 February – 18 March, 2025
Come Visit: The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
