The refit of schooner Ontario really took off in 2022 after the COVID-19 Pandemic. The H. Lee White Maritime Museum’s goal is to obtain United States Coast Guard T-Boat certification - a prerequisite for tall ship sailing on Lake Ontario. As such, in 2024 we hired Tom Farrell Naval Architects and Yacht Engineering Systems to redesign and upgrade systems to meet our mission. The old diesel engine, generator, fuel tank, and electrical systems have been removed. We have obtained new electrical designs and have purchased a new marine diesel engine, new larger generator, and a larger diesel fuel tank was designed and built locally with students from CITI BOCES. The fuel tank has passed USCG inspection. New stainless steel port windows have been placed in the main saloon and should be replaced in the captain’s quarters later this spring.
In 2026, several painting projects are scheduled to commence in spring. During the summer of 2026, the crew will place the new marine diesel engine, install the generator system, and place the new fuel tank. New lower masts are currently being fabricated at the Henry B. duPont Shipyard at the Mystic Seaport Museum, with expected delivery in the fall of 2026.
To date we have collected more than $ 250,000 in private donations and have had considerable in-kind services support from the Plummers and Steamfitters Local 81 and Carpenter’s Union Local 277. Thousands of volunteer hours have been committed by the Ontario crew. The Maritime Museum has secured $150,000 in new commitments over the next five years, and we’re continuing fundraising efforts.
The Maritime Museum’s targeted launch date is still fall of 2028, and we’re firming up plans for a tall ship event that includes Ontario’s three sister ships - St. Lawrence II, Pathfinder, and Playfair. Ontario’s sister ships all make port on the Canadian side of Lake Ontario. This event will coordinate with the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Oswego Canal, which connected the Erie Canal to Lake Ontario in 1828.
Schooner Ontario will become an important ambassador for the H. Lee White Maritime Museum, The Port of Oswego, the city of Oswego, and the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary, and will provide both students and the general public with the opportunity to sail Lake Ontario - the traditional way!