VANCOUVER SPEAKER SERIES

Regular meetings are on the last Wednesday of each month (except July and August) at 7:30pm at the Vancouver Maritime Museum, 1905 Ogden Avenue in Vancouver. Everyone is welcome and there is no cost.

Please contact the Lower Mainland Director by email for more information.

The Golden Era of Yukon Sternwheelers

Robyn Woodward, Marine Archaeologist

Since 2005 a small team of volunteer underwater archaeologists and surveyors have been in a race against time to document the historic shipwrecks of the Klondike Gold Rush along the Yukon River between from Lake Bennett north to Dawson City in Canadas northern Yukon Territory. Of the 290 +/- sternwheelers and steam-tugs known to have plied the river only two survive today as National Historic sites. Collectively, the Yukon River ghost fleet represents the largest and best-preserved collections of western river sternwheelers many of which contain unique mechanical and steering systems and exhibit examples of nautical architecture that is reminiscent of pre-Civil war vessels. Dr. Woodward will present an illustrated update on the history, landscape and vessels of this dynamic of Canadian history including the recently discovered wrecks along the shores of Lake Lebarge.