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.
We've just completed the Maritime Gallery enclosure! Join us for the Grand Opening on April 26, 2025.
Be a part of this exciting community event.
More details will be revealed soon, but join us for a special ribbon cutting and all-around maritime fun on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Events and activities will be held all day, 11am-4pm.
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If you're interested in an event sponsorship, please contact Stephanie Lile, HHM Director, to explore all the exciting options.
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Official Grand Opening
April 26, 2025.
