Museum Campus
There's A Lot to See!
The Museum Campus features some of our largest artifacts, the Midway Schoolhouse and FV Shenandoah, but there is even more to the story.
One of the longest occupied sites in the region, the Museum Campus was originally home to the sx̌ʷəbabš or "swift water" people who are believed to have lived here for thousands of years. They called the area txʷaalqəł (translated as "place where game is found").
Stories tell of a large long house and numerous other village buildings that were home to the swift water people, a band of the Puyallup Tribe. Many descendants still live in the Gig Harbor area.
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In the early 1900s, the site became home to the Austin Sawmill, then later the Peninsula Light Company.
The txʷaalqəł Estuary forms the mouth of Donkey Creek where a Chum salmon return to spawn.
Join Us for a Museum "Hidden History" Tour!
Museum campus tours are offered by appointment.
Discover “Hidden History” at the Harbor History Museum. Take a walk around the museum grounds and Donkey Creek with our knowledgeable guide. Delve into the deep history found in artifacts and architecture at the longest occupied site in Gig Harbor. Trivia buffs and family fun seekers will enjoy this 45-minute tour where the waters meet and secret evidence of past lives and livelihoods abound.
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Complete the form below to reserve your spot one week in advance. Tours are limited to a group of 8. Walk-ups are accommodated when possible.
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If you would like more information or to schedule a tour, please fill out our Museum Campus Tour Form.
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Find out what this mysterious obelisk is all about!
