Foss Waterway Seaport to exhibit classic wooden boats

Starting June 22 more than 20 classic antique wooden boats will be exhibited at the Foss Waterway Seaport

TACOMA—The Foss Waterway Seaport—the Puget Sound’s premier maritime heritage, education and event center—announces that its newest exhibit, “Splashback in Time! Recreational Boating Through the Decades,” will open Saturday, June 22.

The exhibit of antique wooden boats, with classic models like Chris Craft, is on loan from members of the Puget Sound Classic Antique Boat Society, and will remain open through the end of the Seaport’s summer season.

“These boats harken back to a different era in boating,” said Interim Executive Director Ken Leonard. “They have lovingly been restored by the Classic Antique Boat Society and we are grateful for their loan.”

In addition, on June 22 and 23, a number of classic boats, ranging from 20’ to 50’ long, will be docked on the Foss waterway all weekend long, with their owners present from 11:00 to 2:00 on both days to share the histories of these fascinating vessels.

The newest exhibit is in addition to the other exhibits at the working waterfront museum, including artifacts and pictures that portray the story of the famous “Mosquito Fleet” of Commencement Bay; a children’s learning area where young visitors can learn about sea life below the water in Puget Sound; and an exhibit that allows visitors to see in real time the movement of ships in Puget Sound.

The museum in the historic Balfour Dock reopened last month after being closed for ongoing renovation and seismic upgrades, including installation of a new 55-foot high glass front wall.