Bainbridge History Museum

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Bainbridge History Museum Preserving and sharing the diverse stories of BI to better understand our community and the world. Currently open Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm

The Bainbridge History Museum works to preserve and share the diverse stories of Bainbridge Island to promote a greater understanding of our community and the world in which we live.

Today, we recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a day to honor the histories, cultures, contributions, and enduring presenc...
10/12/2026

Today, we recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a day to honor the histories, cultures, contributions, and enduring presence of Indigenous peoples.

The movement to establish Indigenous Peoples’ Day has roots going back decades. In 1977, participants at an international United Nations conference proposed replacing Columbus Day with a day recognizing Indigenous peoples. The movement continued to grow through grassroots advocacy, and in 1992, the first Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration in the United States was held. In 2021, Indigenous Peoples’ Day received national recognition through the first presidential proclamation honoring the day.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day encourages us to look more fully at the history of the Americas, recognizing the Indigenous nations who have called these lands home since time immemorial, acknowledging the lasting impacts of colonization, and celebrating Indigenous cultures and communities that continue to thrive today.

If you’re interested in learning some of the history of the Indigenous peoples of our area, the Bainbridge History Museum is open today from 10am–4pm. If you’d like to take a deeper dive into the history, cultures, and continuing presence of Indigenous peoples in our region, the Suquamish Museum and the Burke Museum are two great places to learn more. 📚

Construction of Fort Ward began in 1900 at what was then known as Beans Point, as part of the Puget Sound coast defense ...
10/07/2026

Construction of Fort Ward began in 1900 at what was then known as Beans Point, as part of the Puget Sound coast defense network, which also included Forts Worden, Casey, and Flagler (the “Triangle of Fire”). The fort was operated by the U.S. Army Coast Artillery Corps, whose mission was to defend Puget Sound and the nearby Bremerton Naval Shipyard.

Fort Ward had several artillery batteries, but its defenses also included something particularly unusual: a floating minefield in Rich Passage. The mines were arranged in a grid across the passage and secured to the bottom by cables. The electrically controlled mines could be detonated on command, preventing an invading force from using empty vessels to clear the minefield.

The mine system had another important piece across Rich Passage at Middle Point in Manchester, which served as the storage and support facility. From 1900 to 1910, Middle Point stored the mines and an enormous amount of cable—31 reels weighing a combined 91 tons!

The underwater defense system was installed before World War I and was used as part of Fort Ward’s coastal defenses. The mines were never detonated in an actual defensive attack, though they were periodically test-fired. During World War I, the Army dismantled the minefield as part of the removal of Fort Ward’s mine and gun defenses.

While it may be hard to imagine mines stretching out across Rich Passage as we know it today, this surprising part of our local history reflects the changes in military technology throughout the last 100 years.

Step back to 1956, when Bainbridge High School students gathered for a homecoming dance. With festive decorations and pl...
10/06/2026

Step back to 1956, when Bainbridge High School students gathered for a homecoming dance. With festive decorations and plenty of dancing it looks like it was quite the evening!

And with it being Homecoming Week at BHS, we thought this was the perfect time to take a peek back at a school dance of the past. Happy Homecoming Bainbridge High School!✨

📸Image courtesy of the Bill Weld Collection, Bainbridge History Museum.

📚It’s Trivia Tuesday! 📚Think you know the answer? Put your best guess in the comments, and we’ll reveal the answer tomor...
10/06/2026

📚It’s Trivia Tuesday! 📚
Think you know the answer? Put your best guess in the comments, and we’ll reveal the answer tomorrow!

This isn't the first time that ferry service has been a topic of conversation on Bainbridge Island. In fact, during the ...
10/05/2026

This isn't the first time that ferry service has been a topic of conversation on Bainbridge Island. In fact, during the 1930s, a series of ferry strikes associated with poor labor relations between unions and the Washington Shipowners' Association left communities on both sides of Puget Sound clamoring for the state-run system that we know today.

In 1935, 1937, and 1939, passenger and automobile ferry services ground to a halt for weeks at a time due to labor disputes. During the 1937 strike, desperate Bainbridge Islanders even went so far as to wire Governor Clarence Martin with demands to resume ferry service. The multiple strikes soured the public's view of privately operated ferries to such a degree that, in 1937, Seattle Mayor John Dore demanded that Governor Martin seize and operate the ferries. Voiced again in 1939, the demand remained a strong rallying cry for passengers and workers of the Black Ball Line (one of the most consistently involved companies in the strikes). Although World War II provided a short reprieve, the 1950s found Washington state taking over the ferry system.

What are your thoughts on private vs public ferry systems?

📸Image shows Chief E.L. Franks standing by the entrance to the Winslow ferry terminal in 1938 (Image courtesy of the Bainbridge History Museum Photographic Collections)

10/01/2026

Ever wonder what happens to old videotapes in museum collections? Join us for a special History Huddle featuring Moving Image Preservation of Puget Sound (MIPoPS) and learn about the work that goes into preserving and digitizing our audiovisual history.

From strawberry fields to community events and beyond, our collections hold moving images that help bring Bainbridge Island’s past to life.

Like this short video? Come see more films and learn how footage like this is preserved, digitized, and made accessible for future generations!

RSVP today for the History Huddle on October 15 ➡https://www.bainbridgehistorymuseum.org/upcoming-events/history-huddle-mipops-digitizing-history

Video courtesy of the Bainbridge History Museum Moving Image Collection, Bainbridge History Museum.

✨Trivia Answer: A submarine telephone cable ✨In 1928, a submarine telephone cable laying project connected Alki Point in...
09/30/2026

✨Trivia Answer: A submarine telephone cable ✨

In 1928, a submarine telephone cable laying project connected Alki Point in Seattle with Restoration Point on Bainbridge Island, forming part of the Seattle-to-Bremerton telephone route. More than 16,000 feet of cable was placed beneath Puget Sound in this impressive feat of engineering.

For Bainbridge Islanders, the new connection strengthened the island’s link to Seattle and the surrounding region, making communication across the Sound faster and more direct. The project was another step in the changing ways Bainbridge Island connected with the outside world.

Here’s a look back at the 1991 Strawberry Festival Parade, where these little strawberries were dressed up and ready to ...
09/29/2026

Here’s a look back at the 1991 Strawberry Festival Parade, where these little strawberries were dressed up and ready to represent the Suyematsu Farms float! It’s hard to believe this photo was taken more than 30 years ago.

A snapshot of one of those classic Strawberry Festival moments that brings back memories for so many Bainbridge families. Anyone recognize a familiar face? 🍓

📸Image courtesy of the Tamara Stone Collection, Bainbridge History Museum.

Address

215 Ericksen Avenue NE
Bainbridge Island, WA
98110

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+12068422773

Website

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