Educational & Public Programs
All-Ages Programs
Chantey Sings
This family event is led by a chantey-man (or woman) and you -- the audience -- sings the chorus or leads the next song. The call-and-response form of these sea-going working songs makes them easy to learn and fun to sing. View our Music Program page for more Chantey Sing information.
Cost: free!
Dates: 2nd Friday of every month
Time: 8:00 pm to 10:00 PM
Ages: all ages (families welcome)
Register: no registration necessary -- just show up!
Tugboat Overnight Experience
Ever wanted to stay aboard a tugboat? Experience life aboard the historic Arthur Foss and learn about tugboats from the inside out. Whether staying one night for an authentic Seattle experience or living aboard during a workshop class, the Arthur provides both accommodations and a slice of Puget Sound maritime history. All participants may take advantage of standard tugboat crew amenities including flush toilets, hot showers, heat, and bed linens. Plan on bringing meals, a heavy blanket, ant oder necessities. Choose between crew (two bunks per room) and officer (single bed with desk) berths.
Cost: $185 members / $205 non-members
Dates: May 1 to October 1 (blackout dates apply)
Ages: all ages (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Register: call the Center for Wooden Boats at (206) 382-2628
Youth Programs
Tugboat Story Time
Join other pre-schoolers and parents aboard the Arthur Foss to listen to sea stories and maritime picture books read aloud. Organized by the Center for Wooden Boats.
Cost: free!
Dates: every
Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Ages: preschool children and parents or guardians
Register: no registration necessary -- just show up!
Workshops
Tugboat Night
Join the crew and indulge your inner engineer aboard the historic tugboat Arthur Foss. Participants will perform engineer duties under the direction of the tug's volunteer Chief Engineer, including inspecting plumbing and electrical systems, exercising machinery and powering up the tug's Washington Iron Works diesel engine.
Cost: $20 members / $25 non-members
Dates: March 14 / April 11 / May 9 / June 13 / July 11 / August 8 / September 12 / October 10
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Ages: 14 and up
Register: online or by calling the Center for Wooden Boats at (206) 382-2628
Engineer for a Day
Kick the tires and light the fires onboard historic vessels at Lake Union Park, including the tugboat Arthur Foss and the fireboat Duwamish. Professional marine engineers will help participants start the Arthur's Washington Iron Works diesel engine and the Duwamish's Bessemer diesel electric generators. Depending on availability, participants may learn about steam engines by observing the Virginia V and the Lightship #83's boilers and power plant. Cost includes lunch.
Cost: $48 members / $65 non-members
Dates: March 14, 2009 / September 12, 2009
Time: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Ages: 14 and up
Register: online or by calling the Center for Wooden Boats at (206) 382-2628
Diesel Engine Theory
Join the engineers and get your hands dirty while fixing the Arthur Foss's 700 horsepower diesel engine. This seventy-year-old engine uses the same principles as modern diesels, but the parts are MUCH bigger and easier to work on. The 2009 session focuses on overhauling cylinder four; participants will inspect previous repair work, pull the cylinder head and piston (18 inches in diameter!) and perform repairs under the supervision of experienced diesel mechanics. No prior engine experience necessary. Cost includes daily lunch.
Cost: $185 members / $205 non-members
Dates: June 6, 13, 20, 27, and July 4, 2009
Ages: 14 and up
Register: online or by calling the Center for Wooden Boats at (206) 382-2628