The idea of creating a public center that would preserve and celebrate Port Townsend’s rich maritime past was born over 2 decades ago and quickly galvanized community support.
Today the vision of the Northwest Maritime Center has grown beyond the boundaries of Port Townsend Bay. It will provide an unparalleled opportunity to preserve, interpret, and enhance the Greater Puget Sound, which encompasses 2,300 miles of diverse shoreline and some of our nation’s richest maritime history and culture. The Center will also be a formidable cultural and economic force, building on Port Townsend’s international reputation for excellence in both traditional and contemporary boat building and repair.
The Northwest Maritime Center is generating tremendous excitement. A $2.25 million appropriation for construction was recently approved in the 2007 state budget. A joint project financed by the Port, the City and the Northwest Maritime Center is underway to upgrade and underground all utilities in the area. The Wooden Boat Foundation, a subsidiary of the Northwest Maritime Center, is planning an expanded Wooden Boat Festival in September and the Chandlery retail operation has doubled its stock of hard-to-find maritime hardware to prepare for an expanded operation.
Programming is also growing in anticipation of new facilities. The first Pocock classic cedar single was launched in May – part of a unique entrepreneurial effort to preserve a legacy while providing funds for educational programs. The entire 7th Grade at Port Townsend’s Blue Heron Middle School recently took part in a 3-week intensive maritime experience that brought many students onto the water for the first time. Mentoring programs and student apprenticeships offer opportunities for area youth to explore a career in the marine trades.
The Northwest Maritime Center is a nonprofit organization backed by an impressive cross-section of citizens, nonprofit groups and government agencies. The campaign to raise $17.2 million to build the facility is a public/private partnership led by mountaineer and sailor Jim Whittaker and other distinguished regional leaders.
