Gig Harbor’s history reflects a diversity of heritages. Puyallup, Nisqually, and Squaxin tribes built their homes along the harbors, bays, and shores of Puget Sound for thousands of years, sustained by the area’s rich natural resources. The area known as Gig Harbor was first documented in 1841 by Lieutenant George Sinclair, whose exploration of the harbor deemed it to be “an excellent little bay.” In the latter half of the 19th century, a stream of new settlers from Croatia, Scandinavia, and other European countries began arriving, drawn by the same natural resources that supported the harbor’s first communities. Over 100 years and several generations later, many of these founding families still call the Gig Harbor Peninsula home.

Arts & Artifacts: An Excellent Little Bay celebrates the influences of these groups on our town, exploring the early years of the Gig Harbor peninsula. This new exhibit is featured in Harbor History Museum's Temporary Gallery. It opens on November 11th with a members-only reception, and runs through February 19th. Admission to the exhibit is free with a Harbor History Museum membership, and included in the price of admission for non-members. 

To learn more about Arts & Artifacts: An Excellent Little Bay, contact Alphild Dick, Marketing and Events Coordinator, at alphildd@harborhistoyrmuseum.org or 253-858-6722 ext. 5.