ABOUT
HARBOR HISTORY
We are the memory keepers of our community and its connections to the world.
MISSION & HISTORY.
​Our mission at the Harbor History Museum is to inspire curiosity about local history and cultural traditions as they connect to the world around us.
Our vision is to be a premier South Sound resource and destination that is recognized as the community memory bank, preserving and sharing our regional heritage and its connections to the world.
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We value Stewardship, Community, Inclusivity, Education, Integrity, and Fiscal Responsibility in our efforts to create a museum that is welcoming for all.
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OUR STORY.
Environmental Stewardship
Our commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in the Harbor Community Solar Project installed on the museum roof in 2015. To date, its lifetime power production has offset 204 tons of CO2 emissions equivalent to more than 30,000 gallons of fossil fuels.
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We were also pleased to participate in a collaborative project with the City of Gig Harbor to daylight Donkey Creek located behind the Museum. This creek had long been a spawning ground for salmon, but had been culverted in the 1940s. Since the culvert removal in 2016, the creek is an active Chum salmon spawning ground once again.
​Established in 1964, the Gig Harbor Peninsula Historical Society dba the Harbor History Museum was awarded a 501(c)3 status by the IRS, and began operating a Museum in 1976. In the summer of 2007, the Society underwent a re-branding to create the name that communicates the essence of our mission. “Harbor History Museum,” was established at that time.
The Museum fulfills its mission and vision by preserving our community collection and providing educational programs serving residents, visitors, researchers, and students. The Society opened the new museum on September 18, 2010. The facility includes: an 1893 fully restored one-room school house; a 65-foot fishing vessel currently under restoration; 7,000 square feet of exhibition space; and a 900-square foot library, research and meeting room.
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Our permanent exhibit features professionally designed exhibitions and opportunities for exploration of our region’s rich history and unique heritage. Artifacts, video kiosks, computer interactives, and a small theatre bring Peninsula history to life in our permanent galleries. In addition, the Museum provides special exhibits and programs throughout the year that highlight key topics and issues in regional history.
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OUR
SPONSORS.
Thank you to our Museum Sponsors!
Your support makes our programs, exhibits, and special events possible.
