About the Project

On March 3, 2009, the Port of Everett Commission unanimously approved a comprehensive historical interpretive program that will honor the lumber and shingle mills, commercial fishing industry and boat building on the development of Everett.

Under the agreement, the Port, Historic Everett, Washington Trust for Historic Preservation and the State Historic Preservation Officer embarked on the master planning process to develop the historical program’s content and identify locations throughout the Marina District between 10th and 18th Street and West Marine View Drive. The exhibits will be located at Waterfront Center, the Fishermen's Tribute Plaza, the boat launch park, the west end park, the 14th Street walkway and the Weyerhaeuser Building.

“This is a wonderful project, and will be great addition to our marina facilities,” Port of Everett Executive Director John Mohr said. “This interpretive program will connect our Port District residents and visitors with our rich history, and the program will serve as a great piece of community capital for our area.”

The Port of Everett hired local historians Larry and Jack O’Donnell to assemble a comprehensive history of the industries for use in the interpretive program. This history was used as the framework for the interpretive program and this website.

“We firmly believe that the agreement, which was collaboratively crafted by the Port, The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation and the State Historic Preservation Officer, will result in a project that will be a source of pride for the Port,” said Valerie Steel, President of Historic Everett. “This interpretive program will be a worthy compliment to the waterfront, as well as an interesting and enjoyable amenity for the community.”

The Port and the historical agencies entered into this comprehensive agreement as part of the 12th Street Marina Redevelopment Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which was signed in August 2005. This separate contractual agreement satisfies the stipulation for an interpretive program within the MOA, while allowing the program to be  implemented over a five year time period. The program cost is not to exceed $400,000.

“The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation is pleased to see the Port of Everett moving forward with an interpretive program for the 12th Street Marina Redevelopment Project that will reflect multiple aspects of Everett’s rich maritime and industrial history,” said Jennifer Meisner, Executive Director of the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation. “This program will honor the legacy of the area’s commercial fishing, boat building, and lumber and shingle mills, reminding residents and visitors both of the role these industries played in Everett’s development.”