Our Mission

Our mission at the Harbor History Museum is to inspire curiosity about and opportunities to explore local history, arts, and culture as they connect to the world around us. 

Our vision is to be the premier South Sound resource and destination that is recognized as the community memory bank and cultural hub that preserves and shares our region’s heritage, arts, and culture through stories of immigration, innovation, industry, and service.

We value Stewardship, Community, Inclusivity, Education, Integrity, and Fiscal Responsibility in our efforts to create a museum that is welcoming for all. 

Our Story

The Harbor History Museum is operated by the Gig Harbor Peninsula Historical Society, a non-profit 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization (EIN 23-7440330). 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 and became “Harbor History Museum” as we know it today.

The Historical Society fulfills its mission and vision by providing a museum to the community and educational programs serving residents, visitors, researchers, and students. The new Museum building, on the waterfront in Gig Harbor, opened to the public on September 18, 2010. In April of 2025, the Museum opened its new Maritime Gallery featuring the 65-foot fishing vessel Shenandoah. Additionally, the facility includes an 1893 fully restored one-room school house, 10,500 square feet of exhibition space; a 1,000 square-foot special exhibition gallery, and a 900-square foot research and meeting room.

Our main gallery features professionally designed exhibitions and opportunities for hands-on exploration of our region’s rich history and unique heritage. Artifacts, video kiosks, and a small theatre bring Peninsula history to life in our permanent gallery.

The Museum provides a variety of public education programs. Our core educational school program is the Midway School Experience (MSE), which serves over 1,100 3rd – 6th grade students every year. Led by a costumed interpreter “schoolmarm,” the children experience a 1915 school day complete with lessons, recitations, and recess. We also provide a series of special exhibits, lectures, public programs, a book club, family days, and festivals throughout the year.

Land Acknowledgement: The Gig Harbor Peninsula Historical Society acknowledges that the Harbor History Museum stands on the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish indigenous peoples, specifically the sxʷ̌əbabš or Swift Water people. We are honored to be stewards of this ancient place and to share the stories that have defined the txʷaalqəł site over time.

Check out our Blog

The Harbor History Museum blog page provides a multi-faceted look into local history. Learn about Gig Harbor's past and catch a sneak peek into our archives. You’ll find our searchable blog site at http://www.harborhistorymuseum.blogspot.com/

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The Harbor History Museum sends out a monthly e-newsletter filled with the most up-to-date information. If you would like to receive the monthly e-newsletter, please click here.