Dear <<First Name>>,
Next month marks 98 years since the VIRGINIA V’s maiden voyage from Elliott Bay in Seattle to Tacoma down the West Pass. I doubt anyone on board would have guessed that the VIRGINIA V would be sailing nearly a century later. And to their credit, she’s had many brushes with disaster over the years. Most would have thought she was done after the ferocious windstorm of 1934, when her cabin was crushed against a dock at Olalla and piles literally pierced the side of the ship. Yet, just 45 days later, she went back to work serving communities along the Puget Sound. Through it all, some combination of good fortune, community support and ingenuity has kept her afloat.
Now we find ourselves in an unprecedented time of uncertainty with so many struggling. We are humbled to be a part of the community that raised a total of $18.5 million for Washington nonprofits during GiveBIG earlier this month. Thanks to the support of our members, donors, and grant-making organizations we are making up for the shortfall caused by canceled events and charters. Meanwhile, we are working to bring the VIRGINIA V experience to you wherever you may be. Every e-newsletter will contain a curated list of maritime activities, resources, and videos for your enjoyment. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to catch the latest.
The VIRGINIA V is a living symbol of Northwest maritime survival and service. She exists now to serve the community just as she did then. If old ships could talk, the VIRGINIA V would say that she’ll be ready to welcome you aboard once we can stow the "Yellow Jack" quarantine flag.
Until then, we hope you'll enjoy the fun activities, fascinating videos and other resources below.
See you soon!
Debra Alderman
Executive Director of the Steamer Virginia V Foundation
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ABOVE: After the Virginia V was put up for sale by the Puget Sound Excursion Lines in 1968, a group of steam engine enthusiasts came together to form the Northwest Steamship Line and save the ship. It quickly became clear, however, that the Virginia V was in need of major repairs and trying to operate an antique steamship as a commercial venture was not sustainable. The nonprofit Virginia V Foundation was formed and plans were put into motion for repairs. Volunteers banded together, and with their help, hundreds of volunteer hours and thousands of dollars went into a major restoration from 1977-78. The Virginia V then passed fully into nonprofit ownership, allowing her to operate on into the future. Photo by Barbara Hug and Glenn Nichols.
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Maritime Exploration At Home
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For the Future Mariners: Big Boats L'il Boats
This delightful episode from the 1990s series Adventures With My Uncle Bill follows a group of kids as they explore different boats around Seattle, including the VIRGINIA V.
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For the Whole Family: The Coin Cargo Experiment
Discover how ships can sail with a large amount of cargo using weight distribution and buoyancy by making your own tin foil boat. Be sure to share a photo with us on social media!
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For the Steamheads: Mosquito Fleet Mondays
Visit our YouTube channel to learn more about the VIRGINIA V's noteworthy contemporaries. So far we've featured the Flyer, Bailey Gatzert, George E Starr, and Eliza Anderson.
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For the Virtual Book Club: Chief Seattle and the Town that Took His Name by David M. Burge
By piecing together the life of our city’s most famous figure, Burge details how the conflicts between the Duwamish people and white settlers shaped the founding of Seattle. Available to borrow as a digital ebook from Seattle Public Libraries.
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For the DIY-ers: Rockport Marine Restores Adventuress
Watch Rockport Marine restore the 1924 fife schooner ADVENTURESS and see the incredible craftsmanship that goes into working on wooden boats like the VIRGINIA V!
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