The Harbor History Museum has good news they recently received a $250,000 grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust of Vancouver, Washington. This grant will be directed toward exhibit design and fabrication in the new Maritime Gallery. The gallery will feature Gig Harbor’s own FV Shenandoah built at Skansie Shipyard and fished by the Dorotich and Janovich families. It will also feature the 1958 Thunderbird sailboat hull # 1 and other important artifacts from the region’s fishing heritage. Construction on the new gallery is expected to begin in 2023.
M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, created by the will of the late Melvin J. (Jack) Murdock, provides grants to organizations in five states of the Pacific Northwest—Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington—that seek to strengthen the region’s educational and cultural base in creative and sustainable ways. Grants are awarded to a wide variety of organizations, including those that serve the arts, public affairs, education, scientific research, health and medicine, human services, and people with disabilities. www.murdocktrust.org
“It’s a great honor to receive this recognition and support from the Murdock Trust,” says Stephanie Lile, HHM Director. “Their grant will make design, fabrication, and installation of our interpretive exhibits possible. It’s a critical piece of the project since the Washington State Heritage Capital Project funding we’ve also received is specific to construction and vessel restoration.”
The Harbor History Museum is still accepting contributions to the Maritime Gallery Project to offset the increased costs of construction. If you would like to make a donation to the Harbor History Museum’s project.
About Harbor History Museum: Harbor History Museum creates opportunities to experience the heritage of the greater Gig Harbor communities by collecting, preserving, and sharing the rich history of the area. Founded in 1964, the Gig Harbor Peninsula Historical Society, dba Harbor History Museum, opened its new facility in 2010. The museum campus includes an 1893 fully restored one-room schoolhouse; a 65-foot fishing vessel currently being meticulously conserved; 7,000 square feet of exhibition space; and a 900-square foot library, research, and meeting room.
CURRENT HOURS – Wednesday – Saturday 11 am–4 pm
ADMISSION – Complimentary Admission for all visitors. Donations gladly accepted.
CONTACT – 253-858-6722, www.HarborHistoryMuseum.org,