Maritime Heritage

Historic Seattle supports maritime heritage efforts to conserve Puget Sound maritime resources that can educate about the place of maritime tradition in our past and future. In the Puget Sound region, the preservation of maritime heritage resources is one of the most challenging situations to confront the heritage community of Seattle and King County. Although the area contains a rich concentration of historic maritime resources, they are under-funded and under-celebrated by Puget Sound residents and visitors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seattle Maritime Festival Tugboat Race 2005 / Photo: Christine Palmer.

In January 2005, the Seattle/King County Task Force on Maritime Heritage began a year-long investigation on the future of maritime heritage in the region. Seventeen members recruited from the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, 4Culture, the National Park Service, the Association of King County Historical Organizations and Historic Seattle brought a wide mix of backgrounds. All shared a common interest in some aspect of the region’s maritime heritage. Their mission was to chart a course for a sustainable maritime heritage presence in Seattle, King County and Puget Sound.

The Task Force published its Final Report in December 2005. The report proposed a revitalized future for maritime heritage based on five components: Governance, Physical Site, Funding, Visibility and Education. Out of this effort, the Maritime Heritage Network and Blog were formed to promote Central Puget Sound maritime heritage to residents and visitors. MHN is a collaboration among 4Culture, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and heritage groups in King and Kitsap counties. Historic Seattle continues to work with MHN and the community groups to increase the maritime heritage audience by connecting visitors and residents to attractions and activities.

Maritime Heritage Network

Seattle's Central Waterfront Vision

4-Culture Report December 2005