Celebrating Olympias Working Ports and Tugboats with the Parthia Project

The Parthia Project is an initiative to restore the historic tugboat Parthia, which operated in Olympia's waterways for nearly four decades before sinking in 2017. The Port of Olympia and the South Sound Marine Heritage Association are collaborating to create an interactive exhibit that will feature the Parthia as part of a future tugboat heritage walk. The project aims to highlight the importance of tugboats in the region's maritime history, showcasing their roles as vital workhorses of the waterfront. Port Commissioner Amy Evans Harding emphasizes the need to recognize this history for building a sustainable future. The South Sound Marine Heritage Association, led by Chuck Fowler, has been instrumental in the fundraising and restoration efforts for the Parthia.

As an educational attraction, the exhibit will be located near the Olympia Farmers Market, drawing in local residents and tourists alike. The project also aims to incorporate original fittings and vintage artifacts to enrich the exhibit. Ultimately, this endeavor seeks to preserve Olympia's maritime heritage for future generations while enhancing local tourism.