This will be an in-person event.
UPDATE: We are now fully sold out of both screenings.
Description:
Get ready to immerse yourself in a unique cinematic experience. Drowning in Dreams, a captivating documentary, follows Thunder Bay businessman Fred Broennle as he becomes consumed by a near-mythical mission: to raise the luxurious steam yacht Gunilda–considered the most beautiful shipwreck in the world–from its resting place 300 feet beneath Lake Superior. This is a rare chance to see this film at the Thunder Bay Museum, an event that promises to be a high-stakes odyssey of greed, guilt, and devastation.
Following the screening, we are pleased to announce that a special guest speaker, Maria Phipps, will be joining us for a Q&A session. Maria’s late husband, Charles “King” Hague, tragically lost his life while diving the Gunilda. She shares her personal reflections on the shipwreck and offers insight into the making of the documentary.
Drowning in Dreams is provided courtesy of the National Film Board of Canada.
Drowning in Dreams is not rated by the Motion Picture Association. The film contains scenes that may not be suitable for children, including discussions of drowning, diving accidents, and death, as well as a brief depiction of a deceased person and brief partial nudity. Viewer discretion is advised.
Tickets are included with admission to the Thunder Bay Museum (by donation):
- $8.00 for Adults
- $3.00 for Children (6-17)
- Free for Children (5 and under)
- Free with Membership
Limited seating is available. To secure your spot, please pre-register here: https://thunderbaymuseum1.wildapricot.org/event-6258463. Admission is payable at the door on the day of the event. Please note that pre-registration does not guarantee admission if the event is fully booked, so we recommend arriving early.
Interested in the shipwreck history of Thunder Bay and the surrounding region? Explore our curated selection of books in the gift shop!
- Canada's 150 Most Famous Great Lakes Shipwrecks by Cris Kohl and Joan Forsberg - features the Gunilda as #139
- Edmund Fitzgerald: The Legendary Great Lakes Shipwreck by Elle Andra-Warner
- The Survivor of the Edmund Fitzgerald by Joan Skelton
- Weather Bomb 1913: Life and Death on the Great Lakes by Bruce Kemp
Parking Map for Free Parking
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the event?
The event takes place on August 20 and 21, 2025, from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm at The Thunder Bay Museum (425 Donald St. East). Please note that pre-registration does not guarantee admission if the event is fully booked, so we recommend arriving early. The screening will begin promptly at 7:00 pm.
Is there parking available?
Rest assured, The Thunder Bay Museum has ample free parking, as well as street parking (payment is not required for parking metres after 6:00 pm). So, you can focus on enjoying the event without any parking worries.
What can I expect at this event?
As a special treat, attendees will not only enjoy a screening of Drowning in Dreams but also have after-hours access to The Museum’s exhibits. This unique event promises to be a memorable experience for all.
How do I sign up?
Register here now: https://thunderbaymuseum1.wildapricot.org/event-6258463
Admission is payable at the door on the day of the event.
How much do tickets cost, and what do they include?
Tickets are free, included with Museum admission, by donation.
The recommended donations are:
- $8.00 for Adults
- $3.00 for Children (6-17)
- Free for Children (5 and under)
- Free with Membership
This includes access to the Museum’s exhibits and viewing of the film.
Will there be food at the event?
Non-alcoholic beverages and snacks will be available for purchase at the event.
Thank you for registering. We look forward to seeing you!