The Collingwood Museum invites you to celebrate the annual Shipyard Social and a special
screening of a new docuseries about the history and impact of shipbuilding in Collingwood.
Screening, The Last Launch: The Rise and Fall of Collship
Shipyard workers and their family members are invited to a special screening of The Last Launch: The Rise and Fall of Collship, a five-part docuseries created by local filmmaker Tom Stubbington. This free event, sponsored by Bell Fibe TV1, will take place at the Simcoe Street Theatre on Friday, September 5, at 7:00 p.m., and officially kicks off the 9th annual Shipyard Social. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Seat reservations for former shipyard workers and their families will be accepted by Museum Staff by calling 705-445-4811 Ext. 7211 until Friday, August 29, at 4:30 p.m. Any remaining seats will be made available to the general public for reservation after this time. For those unable to attend the event, the docuseries will premiere on Bell Fibe TV1 on August 21, 2025.
The Last Launch: The Rise and Fall of Collship is a docuseries about the Collingwood Shipyards and its history in Collingwood. The series speaks to the shipyard’s early beginnings, wartime efforts, the tragedy of Hull #192, subsequent waterfront development, and how Collingwood remembers its blue-collar history today. The emotional connection some locals have with the yard runs deep. Generational careers ended after 103 years of shipbuilding. A Canadian economic force, a place that many called home, and a staple in the industry that made an impact on the Great Lakes all came to a halt on September 12, 1986.
The screening will begin with a special introduction by filmmaker Tom Stubbington. Participants will then have the opportunity to view the docuseries’ five 12-minute episodes and participate in a Q&A at the screening’s conclusion. It will be an evening to remember!
9th Annual Shipyard Social
Celebrate the men and women of the Collingwood Shipyards at the 9th annual Shipyard Social on Saturday, September 6, 2025. This year’s event begins with the popular “Hard Hats on Hurontario” march, departing Town Hall at 11:30 a.m. Participants (including community members) can pick up hard hats from Museum Staff between 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. beside Town Hall, located at 97 Hurontario St. Shipyard workers are encouraged to bring their hard hats if they still have them. A courtesy cart will be available to assist with transportation. Scooters and assistive devices are welcome in the procession along the Simcoe Street sidewalk.
At 12:00 p.m. sharp, a group photograph of former shipyard employees will be taken at the Collingwood Museum. For the remainder of the afternoon, the community is invited to participate in a social gathering on the museum grounds and explore an interactive exhibit featuring keepsakes from the shipyard days. Play along for a chance to win an exciting prize! A slideshow of special moments from past Shipyard Socials will also be displayed. Admission to the event is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Parking will be available at the Collingwood Museum and the HarbourEdge Centre, located at 40 Huron Street. The Town of Collingwood’s courtesy cart will be available to assist with transportation to and from the site.
For full details about these events and more, please visit the museum page, or contact Collingwood Museum staff. The Collingwood Museum is located at 45 St. Paul Street.