Marine Heritage Society

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Marine Heritage Society The Marine Heritage Society is a not-for-profit group of volunteers dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of our community's marine history.

Chantry Island is located on Lake Huron, just over a mile southwest of the Saugeen River mouth in Southampton, Ontario. On the island is a majestic Imperial Lighthouse built in the mid 1800’s, as well as the Keeper’s quarters and a boat house. In 1822, during a hydrographic survey, Captain Henry Bayfield of the Royal Navy christened the island and named it after his friend and British sculptor Sir Francis Chantry.

The beach and river camera has a new angle. Enjoy the winter sun sets
11/02/2026

The beach and river camera has a new angle. Enjoy the winter sun sets

⚓ Getting the Docks Ready for Spring!Today, our work crew replaced the old rubber tires with new white fenders at both t...
10/23/2026

⚓ Getting the Docks Ready for Spring!

Today, our work crew replaced the old rubber tires with new white fenders at both the Chantry Island docks.

This improvement means our crew will no longer have to line up twin tires at both locations to help protect the boat when docking. More importantly, the new fenders should make getting on and off the docks much safer for everyone!
This will also hopefully help keep the hull of the Peerless much cleaner.

A big THANK YOU to all the volunteers who turned out today to get the docks ready for next spring. Your time, effort, and dedication are greatly appreciated! 👏

It’s another great example of volunteers working together to keep Chantry Island Tours safe and ready for another season.

⚓

FOR THE WORK BEFORE THE WOW!Congratulations to Deb Kaufman, recipient of the 2026 Meridian Volunteer of the Year Award, ...
10/19/2026

FOR THE WORK BEFORE THE WOW!

Congratulations to Deb Kaufman, recipient of the 2026 Meridian Volunteer of the Year Award, presented at the recent Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Awards Gala.

📸 Seen here with her husband, Wayne Kaufman, Deb was recognized for her years of dedication, initiative and contributions to the community -- from her early involvement with the Waterfront Committee to her extensive volunteer work with the Marine Heritage Society.

As Co-Chair of the Marine Heritage Festival, and the Artisans & Tastes Market, and an organizer of Christmas in Southampton (among many other roles), Deb devotes hundreds of hours annually to planning and preparing these activities, long before the crowds arrive. Her behind-the-scenes leadership is what lays the groundwork for committees, community partners and volunteers to turn events and goals into reality.

She has a knack for pulling new ideas together and giving teams what they need to succeed. The result? Memorable experiences for thousands of people of all ages — strengthening community life for residents and attracting new visitors to Saugeen Shores.

Congratulations to all the nominees across the many award categories! They represent the community spirit and determination to make things happen.

The Marine Heritage Society thanks Meridian for sponsoring this honour, and the Chamber of Commerce for celebrating the entrepreneurs, organizations and volunteers who collectively make Saugeen Shores a great place to live, work and explore.

That's The Ticket!A July raffle entry turned into an October surprise for Kelly Skrt, the lucky winner of $8,085 in a po...
10/17/2026

That's The Ticket!
A July raffle entry turned into an October surprise for Kelly Skrt, the lucky winner of $8,085 in a popular 50/50 draw! 💰

Kelly said she was “in awe” when she received the news of her win in the annual Pumpkinfest & Marine Heritage Society 50/50 raffle. She purchased her ticket during the Marine Heritage Festival and says she'll put the money to good use — including helping others.

It's a fitting outcome for a draw that's all about giving back, as the two nonprofits — 🎃 Pumpkinfest and the ⚓ Marine Heritage Society — use the balance to help fund family-friendly events.

📸 Pictured from left: Jo Robbins of Pumpkinfest, 50/50 winner Kelly Skrt, Deb and Wayne Kaufman of the Marine Heritage Festival.

Congratulations to Kelly, and thank you to EVERYONE who purchased a ticket! Your support helps keep the family-friendly festivals going each summer and fall for residents and visitors alike.

Raffle License

FOR ALL THAT ENDURESIn 1859, the first light shone from Chantry Island Lighthouse. That same year, a day of Thanksgiving...
10/10/2026

FOR ALL THAT ENDURES

In 1859, the first light shone from Chantry Island Lighthouse. That same year, a day of Thanksgiving was proclaimed in the Province of Canada, giving thanks for an abundant harvest. It would become an annual national observance in 1879. 🍁

More than 165 years later, we also give thanks for those who came before us, for the community they built and the lessons they left behind — and for all those today who share that history and keep it alive for the future.

🍂 Happy Thanksgiving to all the volunteers, members, donors, partners, visitors and friends of Chantry Island Lighthouse and Keeper's Home!

The nature of a community is reflected not only in the places it preserves, but in its enduring commitment to caring for them.

May that guiding light and spirit of gratitude shine on for generations to come. ⚓

CFUW all candidates meeting on Eastlink
10/09/2026

CFUW all candidates meeting on Eastlink

Saugeen Shores Municipal Election All Candidates Meeting, from The ...

10/08/2026
A SURE SIGN OF FALLThe Chantry Island Cham-bettes’ annual Sharecrows Food Drive will soon be rolling out across Saugeen ...
10/07/2026

A SURE SIGN OF FALL

The Chantry Island Cham-bettes’ annual Sharecrows Food Drive will soon be rolling out across Saugeen Shores — a colourful tradition with a serious purpose: helping restock our local food banks.

Last year, more than 100 Sharecrows took to the streets across the community. Here’s how to join the fun:

🎃 Make and register a Sharecrow by Oct. 15 — homes and businesses are all welcome! Then watch for the Tour Map starting Oct. 18. Or...

🚜 Take the Tour Oct. 20–31 and “treat” your favourite Sharecrows with non-perishable food donations along the way.

For anyone from out of town — plan a day trip later this month! Get the map, drive the route, enjoy the displays and leave a little food in “treat” bins at any Sharecrow location. It makes a fun fall outing for family and friends! 👨‍🌾👩‍🌾🧒🎃

MHS is pleased to cheer on the Chantry Island Cham-bettes, their volunteers and all the Hunger Heroes who make Sharecrows such a creative way to give back and help others.

Let’s all donate a little — and see The Boathouse packed with non-perishables by the end of the Food Drive! 🥫🫘🍚🍝❤️

Learn more:

https://sharecrows.org/clubs/saugeen-shores/

Address

86 Saugeen Street
Southampton, ON
N0H2L0

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