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.
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
Small speedboats transporting illegal booze down from Canada, smashing through the cold, storm-tossed waters of Puget Sound. The cruel sea might sink them and their
Shadow Boats: Prohibition Rum Runners on Puget Sound Read More
By Vanessa Chin, Maritime Washington Storytelling Intern Image above: Standing on one end of a rotary screw trap, Vanessa Castle and her team use this
Women on the Waterfront: Vanessa Castle 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: Grays Harbor Bar Pilots, Westport Read More
“You have to be a stubborn son-of-a-bitch,” Mark noted of the kind of person that makes a good oyster farmer.
Working Waterfronts: Brady’s Oysters, Westport Read More
In September 1860, a Black teenager ran away from slavery in Olympia, Washington Territory. An African-Canadian network helped him flee to Victoria—but Charles Mitchell’s “underground
The Maritime Underground Railroad of Puget Sound Read More
I am a Lead Test Engineer at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, and my job is cool. Well, sometimes. Some days it’s really cool, like when
Women on the Waterfront: Ruth Reeber 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.
