Hardanger Maritime Centre, Norway’s national maritime museum, is the largest center for maritime culture and boat restoration in the Nordic countries. This year, we are thrilled to welcome a delegation from Hardanger to the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival for the first time. Throughout the weekend, the Norwegian team will be demonstrating traditional rope-making, inviting festival attendees to participate in …
Special Movie Presentation: Indigenous Films by Children of the Setting Sun Productions
We are thrilled to announce that Indigenous storytellers and filmmakers Children of the Setting Sun Productions will bring two short films to Wooden Boat Festival for Saturday night’s Movie Special: The Sound and West Shore. In their own words: “Children of the Setting Sun’s responsibility is to create and share Indigenous stories of gratitude, generosity, and respect, to empower the …
Global Gathering: Women Boatbuilders Convene at Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival
We’re shining a spotlight on the incredible women who are making waves in the maritime trades. This year, we’re excited to welcome the Women in Boatbuilding (WIBB) community and the Women of the Working Waterfront (WOWW) as special guests at the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival! Women in Boatbuilding is a thriving community dedicated to supporting and inspiring women in …
Take Me to the Water: A New Exhibit Profiling Black Mariners
We are thrilled to welcome “Take Me to the Water: Histories of the Black Pacific” to the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival as a special exhibition this year. The exhibit expands our understanding of maritime history and culture by telling the stories of the many Black whalers, commercial mariners, fishers, explorers, soldiers, and sailors who traveled along the Pacific Coast …
Dive into Marine Science at This Year’s Wooden Boat Festival!
We are thrilled to announce another exciting new addition to this year’s Wooden Boat Festival: the Marine Science & Stewardship Stage! This stage is a must-visit for anyone passionate about the ocean and eager to learn more about the incredible marine life in our local waters. What to Expect Sponsored by the Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee, Washington Sea Grant, …
What’s New in 2024!
This year’s festival promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with a range of new exhibits and activities designed to captivate and inspire visitors of all generations. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the highlights you can look forward to. Stay tuned for more details in our upcoming emails! Rope Makers from Hardanger in Norway For only …
Half-Day Workshops with Nigel Calder
Renowned boat systems expert Nigel Calder, celebrated for his bestselling books like “Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual,” is returning to the Wooden Boat Festival this year to present his invaluable seminars. Thursday’s workshops will cover marine diesel engines, while Friday’s will focus on boat electrical systems. A Detailed Look at DIY Diesel Engine Maintenance Thursday, September 5 | 8 AM–11 …
Meet the 2024 Poster Artist: Hannah Spencer
As a child, Spencer spent her summers with her family sailing around Lake George, NY, picking berries, camping, fishing, and bird watching. She remembers fondly, “I have always been in love with the natural world. Those magical experiences have shaped who I am and how I express myself through art.” Spencer is a self-taught woodblock artist and a fly-fishing guide. …