A major new exhibition honouring Owen Sound’s maritime history is set to open at the Community Waterfront Heritage Centre.
Titled The Family Fleet, the showcase offers an in-depth look at the Hindman Transportation Company and its precursor, the Diamond Steamship Company. Established by Captain George Hindman, the local shipping enterprise played a pivotal role in driving economic activity, employing hundreds of workers, and forging deep connections across ports throughout the Great Lakes.
Rooted in family leadership, the enterprise was guided and expanded through generations of Hindman family management. Visitors can follow this journey from Captain Hindman's earliest days on the water through the company's expansion, its navigating of dynamic eras in Great Lakes freighting, and the ultimate fate of its last vessels. The showcase incorporates rare artifacts, historical imagery, and archival records from the museum's permanent holdings, supplemented by key items loaned by Captain Hindman's grandson and great-grandson, Paul Evans and Chris Evie Evans.
Reflecting on the historical significance of the venture, Paul Evans shared, "Captain George's perception of the opportunity to develop a major pulpwood business on Manitoulin Island in itself was an accomplishment. He and his wife Blanche (Proctor) Hindman embraced their family with love and opportunities for family members to excel in the shipping industry and timber business. Zack, the Curator at Owen Sound's Rail & Marine Museum has endeavored and accomplished a renowned exhibit of our family business history."
"The Hindman Transportation Company represents a defining chapter in Owen Sound’s marine heritage," said CWHC Curator Zack McLean. "This exhibition honours the people, the ships, and the family whose work connected our community to ports across the Great Lakes."
The exhibition welcomes the public starting October 11 with free admission to mark the exact calendar date of the firm's original founding. Located at the museum on 1155 1st Ave West in Owen Sound. The Family Fleet will remain available for visitors to explore through summer 2027.
