Congratulations to the organizations across Washington State who are receiving a total of $100,000 in funding for projects that support our region’s maritime heritage.

These grants will expand ways for residents and visitors of all ages to engage with the incredible water-based stories of our region and provide resources for communities to better protect the heritage resources that define Washington’s saltwater shores.

Since time immemorial, people have settled along the saltwater shores of what is today Washington State, supported by rich maritime resources for food, shelter, inspiration, trade, and transportation. Today, Washington’s shores continue to serve as home to many vibrant water-based cultures. With these grants, the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area supports projects that strengthen, maintain, and share this rich maritime heritage—enabling organizations, governments, and Tribes to better steward and connect residents with Washington’s maritime world.

The Maritime Washington Grant Program defines “maritime heritage” broadly as the history and connection that people have with the marine environment. It includes tangible and intangible resources and encompasses cultural, historical, and natural resources. The projects supported by these grants align with the goals of the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area, including: fostering collaboration around maritime heritage, supporting communities and Tribes, sharing diverse stories from the past and present, encouraging sustainable experiences, and preserving our region’s unique maritime identity and resources.

With this round of grants, Maritime Washington has awarded $100,000 in total funding to 10 organizations, including museums, community groups, Indigenous-led organizations, maritime organizations, and others. As a result, Washington’s residents and visitors will soon see new exhibits, educational programs, oral history projects, podcasts, documentaries, digital storytelling, public programs, and interpretive signage across the heritage area.

The organizations receiving grants are: Clallam Bay Slip Point Lighthouse Keepers, the Coastal Interpretive Center, the Community Boating Center, the Gig Harbor Peninsula Historical Society dba Harbor History Museum, the Glory of the Seas Foundation, Historic Whidbey, the Marine Exchange of Puget Sound (MXPS), the Steilacoom Historical Museum Association, the Whatcom Maritime Heritage Museum, and Whiteswan Environmental (WE).

For more details about the 10 grant-funded projects, please visit the Maritime Washington website at maritimewa.org.