Steamship Historical Society of America Annual Awards
Each year the Steamship Historical Society of America recognizes vessels, people and/or entities that have exemplified or made a significant contribution to the history of engine-powered vessels. SSHSA has added additional award categories and special distinctions over the years since so many different vessels reach milestones, certain achievements, or are worthy yet have not been recognized. SSHSA therefore seeks creative nominations from members in a variety of categories including unique or specific types of vessel. Learn about our four annual awards below.
Looking to nominate a vessel, institution, or a person for an award? Click here to submit your nomination now.
2026 Ship of the Year
RMS Segwun
The RMS Segwun was built in 1887 in Glasgow, Scotland, and assembled at Gravenhurst, Ontario. Originally built as the side paddlewheel steamer, “Nipissing II” transporting passengers, mail, and freight from Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst to cottages, resorts and homes in the Muskoka Lakes.
By 1914, Nipissing was withdrawn from service until 1924, when work began to rebuild the superstructure of the vessel with new engines and in 1925, the ship was given her new name, an Ojibwa word: segwun, meaning “springtime”. The rebuilt steamer proved to be the fastest of the ships on the lakes. By 1958, with mail delivery taking more land routes, Segwun made her last trip and was decommissioned.
In 1962, she was converted into a floating maritime museum at Gravenhurst Wharf and escaped deconstruction. Work began in 1973 with help of the Muskoka Steamship & Historical Society and the Ontario Road Builders, and the Segwun was officially re-launched in 1974 by Pierre Elliott Trudeau. After further restoration, Segwun began her new career in 1981 as a cruise ship on the Muskoka Lakes.
As the sole survivor of the fleet, she continues to hold status with Canada Post as an official “Royal Mail Ship”. Her ability to adapt to 135+ years of changes is a model to us all, as North America’s oldest operating hand-fired steamship, the Segwun is the recognized symbol of Muskoka with many believing that her haunting whistle sounds out as the official “heartbeat” which awakens the region each Spring.
Want to see our past awardees? View our Awards Masterdoc Here
SSHSA may also honor additional heritage ships, longtime SSHSA members, and maritime leaders worthy of Special Recognition.
Ship(s) of the Year: Typically one distinguished vessel with other noteworthy vessels considered by categories:
- Tug Boat of the Year
- Yacht of the Year
- Cruise Ship of the Year
- Museum Ship of the Year
- Other vessel type(s) of the Year
Jay Allen Award for Distinguished Editorial Service to SSHSA publications.
Jay Allen, one of SSHSA’s seven founders, published the first Steamboat Bill of Facts in April 1940, assisted by C. Bradford Mitchell. Steamboat Bill of Facts, subsequently renamed Steamboat Bill, and now PowerShips, has been published continuously without fail, and today is recognized as the most comprehensive and best publication of its kind.
C. Bradford Mitchell Award is bestowed upon an individual, institution or agency in recognition of a single achievement, such as an important book, or founding of an institution contributing to the goals, objectives and mission of the Steamship Historical Society of America.
Samuel Ward Stanton Award for Lifetime Achievement recognizes the accumulated value of on-going work in our areas of concern.
H. Graham Wood Award for Distinguished Service to SSHSA recognizes an individual for their long-time dedication and service to the Steamship Historical Society of America.