Since time immemorial, people have settled along the saltwater shores of what is today Washington State, supported by the rich maritime resources for food, shelter, inspiration, trade, and transportation. Today, Washington’s shores continue to serve as home to many vibrant maritime cultures. The stories of this place are diverse, complex, and constantly evolving. To help share these narratives, Maritime Washington uses three interpretive themes as an organizing framework: people, movement, and resources. Learn more about the people, places, and cultures that make up Maritime Washington by exploring this collection of stories from our shores. And be sure to check back frequently—we’re always adding new voices to this story bank.
Chapter Six of the Filipino’s and Washington’s Waterfront story exhibit, produced in collaboration with the Filipino American National Historical Society, also features Megan Schorr. Read
Women on the Waterfront: Megan Schorr Read More
Tele Aadsen is a troller, observer, and writer. Her “beautifully inefficient” fishing process makes for carefully preserved salmon.
Women on the Waterfront: Tele Aadsen Read More
Billy Frank Jr. fought tirelessly to ensure that the United States would honor the promises made in the treaties with Washington tribes.
Meet Billy Frank Jr. Read More
Ebony and Savannah work to create new pathways to maritime experiences and work for youth of color.
Women on the Waterfront: Ebony Welborn and Savannah Smith Read More
Susan Berta, co-founder of the Orca Network says that the world needs people who care. Her 25+ years of work to save orcas show that she does.
Women on the Waterfront: Susan Berta Read More
Uncovering the secrets of maritime history is a challenging endeavor, as proven by the search for the S/V Nikolai.
Uncovering the Past: NOAA’s Quest to Find the Svyatoy Nikolai Read More
The Fisherpoets Gathering celebrates the lived experiences of commercial fishers through poetry every year on the banks of the Columbia River in Astoria.
Fisherpoets Gathering Read More
Willits canoes, famed for their beauty and grace, were hand-built by two brothers from Tacoma, and only 918 were ever made.
Makers on the Tide: Earl & Floyd Willits and Their Remarkable Canoes Read More
Jennie Buswell is a terminal supervisor in Port Townsend, and with her million-dollar view and a great team, she’s not going anywhere.
Women on the Waterfront: Jennie Buswell Read More
Test and expand your knowledge of North Kitsap’s lesser-known stories with these questions.
North Kitsap Maritime Trivia and Stories Read More
Ava Karr is a seaplane pilot for Kemore Air, and she loves her job because anywhere with enough water is a runway for exploration.
Women on the Waterfront: Ava Karr Read More
Michele Allen is ready to retire and move somewhere warm. Until then, she’s getting people where they need to go and passing on her knowledge.
Women on the Waterfront: Michele Allen Read More
Marine Fluid Systems is a family shipyard business, but few are aware that the site has operated continuously for more than 120 years.
Working Waterfronts: Marine Fluid Systems – A Forgotten Backstory Read More
Caulking keeps wooden boats floating, but the days of caulking gangs are long gone and only a few people are keeping this trade alive. This is their art.
Working Waterfronts: The Art of Caulking Read More
Deb Dempsey is the first woman to attend a maritime academy, to guide ships over the Columbia Bar, and has been braving new waters for women for decades.
Women on the Waterfront: Deb Dempsey Read More
As you explore, you can help take care of these special places so they’re still around for your next visit. Recreate responsibly and follow Leave No Trace principles while exploring outdoor spaces. Visit popular destinations during off-times or shoulder season. Support the communities you visit by frequenting locally owned businesses. And always research guidance for specific locations before you travel — especially for Tribal sites.
