History Month at the Locks

May is national history month and May 6 and 7 saw many groups put on a variety of exhibitions, activities and performances at the Chittenden Locks. Most of the displays will be open for public viewing in the Administration Building during the month, and will even be open on the weekends just for the month of May. Displays have been contributed by the Rainier Valley Historical Society, Fremont Historical Society, History Link, Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society, American Society of Civil Engineers and the Friends of the Ballard Locks.

Bridge building activity

Building a straw bridge

National History Month at the Locks

The following is a post from the website of Making the Cut 100, a group of historians and individuals involved in bringing attention to the 100th anniversary of the Lake Washington Ship Canal and Chittenden Locks.

May is National History Month and we will be jumping on board with a number of activities celebrating the centennial of the Locks and the Ship Canal. Join us!

The Administration Building will be open every day 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to view displays provided by local history groups. The highlight of the displays is a six-foot long model of the S.S. Roosevelt which was the official boat on Opening Day 100 years ago. The Visitor Center, open daily 10:00 a.m. to 6 p.m., will feature special displays of antique tools and instruments that were used in the engineering and construction of the Locks.

Take note of the following special activities:
Saturday, May 6, Children’s fishing game 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.; Chat with a Historian 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 7, ceremony and reception honoring Clayton Naset, builder of the Roosevelt model 1:00 p.m.; Chat with a Historian, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.; Kid’s Toy Boat Building, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 20, Chat with a Historian, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 21, Chat with a Historian, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

It is also Opening Day and you can watch the crew races down by the Montlake Cut. A little something for everyone!