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.
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
State Parks: This is Maritime Washington Read More
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
Tall Ships: This is Maritime Washington Read More
Meet Genevieve Fritschen—relief captain for the Washington State Ferries—and explore Washington’s most unique commute with this interview.
Ferries: This is Maritime Washington Read More
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.
Women on the Waterfront: Elena Zachry Read More
Meet Esther Whitmore, lead shipwright at Haven Boatworks in Port Townsend, and learn about the world of marine trades with this interview.
Marine Trades: This is Maritime Washington Read More
Learn about the thousands of Filipino-American “Alaskeros” who traveled north from Seattle for seasonal cannery work in the early 1900s.
Through a Filipino Lens: Washington State Cannery Workers in Alaska Read More
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.
Women on the Waterfront: Tah-Mahs Ellie Kinley Read More
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.
Maritime Voices: Squaxin Island Lives Read More
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.
Women on the Waterfront: Katherine Pogue Read More
For generations of residents in Seattle’s Historic South Downtown, the waterfront has been a hub of community, work, migration, and even magical fishermen.
Maritime Voices: Seattle’s Historic South Downtown Oral History Project Read More
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
Women on the Waterfront: Deb Granger Read More
By Kristy Conrad, Washington Trust Development Director. Image above: The hull of the Schooner Equator inside a shelter built by the Port of Everett. The Equator didn’t start out
The Lives (and Afterlives) of Everett’s Haunted Schooner Equator Read More
Seaside Stories puts young Washingtonians in conversation with members of their diverse communities about their relationships with local waters. Through a joint project between Sea
by Vanessa Chin, Maritime Washington Storytelling Intern. Image: Canoe landing at Sequim during the Paddle to Lummi, 2019. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class
Tribal Canoe Journeys: Strength in Tradition Read More
By Jeremy Johnson This article is part of a series highlighting the vibrant people and industries that make up the working waterfronts of the Maritime
Working Waterfronts: Seafood Connection, Westport 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.
