Salmon Ceremony: This is Maritime Washington
Fisherman and Swinomish Tribal Council member J.J. Wilbur invites us to learn about the Tribe’s First Salmon Ceremony and Blessing of the Fleet, as well
Stories
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.
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Women on the Waterfront: Cathy Wade
Meet fish-tender and self-proclaimed “Boat Mom” Cathy Wade and learn about her 50+ years of maritime experience fishing between Bellingham and Alaska aboard the ferry-turned-fishing boat Chief Kwina.
Maritime Voices: Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community Collection
Stories of fishing, farming, wartime hardships, and enduring friendships abound in the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community Collection.
Sea to Table: This is Maritime Washington
Chelsea Farms Manager Theo Walker introduces the world of shellfish farming—from the challenges of working on the water to the intricate process of nurturing oysters
State Parks: This is Maritime Washington
Meet Joy Kacoroski—Interpretive Specialist for Washington State Parks—and learn how interpretation helps residents and visitors connect with and understand our maritime resources. Can you tell
Tall Ships: This is Maritime Washington
Meet Nate Seward—captain of the schooner Adventuress—and step aboard the 110-year-old historic tall ship helping to get youth on the water. Can you tell me
Ferries: This is Maritime Washington
Meet Genevieve Fritschen—relief captain for the Washington State Ferries—and explore Washington’s most unique commute with this interview.
Women on the Waterfront: Elena Zachry
Meet Elena, a 20-year veteran with Washington State Ferries. She started from scratch in onboard food service and worked her way up to Anacortes Ferry Terminal Supervisor.
Marine Trades: This is Maritime Washington
Meet Esther Whitmore, lead shipwright at Haven Boatworks in Port Townsend, and learn about the world of marine trades with this interview.
Through a Filipino Lens: Washington State Cannery Workers in Alaska
Learn about the thousands of Filipino-American “Alaskeros” who traveled north from Seattle for seasonal cannery work in the early 1900s.
Women on the Waterfront: Tah-Mahs Ellie Kinley
Meet Ellie Kinley, a major voice for Tribal fishermen and for the protection of the Salish Sea. Growing up, she watched her dad participate in protests and her aunt protect Tribal village sites. Today, it’s her turn.
Maritime Voices: Squaxin Island Lives
Hear from members of the Squaxin Island Tribe about their deep personal connections with the South Sound through oral history recordings with James Krise, Josephine Peters, Calvin Peters, and Mark Peters.
Women on the Waterfront: Katherine Pogue
Meet Katherine Pogue, captain of the Lady Washington and true blue maritime enthusiast. It all began with a 5th-grade excursion to the Maritime Museum of San Diego, sparking a lifelong fascination with the sea. Today, she’s at the helm of the official state ship of Washington.
Maritime Voices: Seattle’s Historic South Downtown Oral History Project
For generations of residents in Seattle’s Historic South Downtown, the waterfront has been a hub of community, work, migration, and even magical fishermen.
Women on the Waterfront: Deb Granger
By Vanessa Chin, Maritime Washington Storytelling Intern. “It’s about that precious resource being able to be saved. It will require an ‘all-hands-on-deck’ approach to preserve