The Kitsap Peninsula and its many communities are proud of their diverse history. Start your exploration of the history of Kitsap below with links to the many museums and other valuable resources.




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1 - Port Gamble Historic Museum
32400 Rainier AVE NE
Port Gamble, WA  98364
(360) 297-8074
The museum represents efforts to conserve and protect a special chapter in the history of the Pacific Northwest and the forest products industry. Reproductions of Captain Talbot's cabin on the Oriental, as well as rooms from the famous Puget Hotel and Admiralty Hall. There are many heirlooms, artifacts, and photographs from the early 1800's. The Museum also has a gift shop with books, postcards, wooden handmade logging trucks & toys along with other wooden toys.

2 - Poulsbo Historical Society & Martinson Cabin
PO Box 844
Poulsbo, WA 98370
360. 440.7354
The Poulsbo Historical Society is dedicated to recording, preserving and exhibiting the history and culture of Poulsbo and its surrounding communities. The Martinson Cabin at the SE corner of Viking AVE and Finn Hill RD is a completely reconstructed and furnished pioneer cabin - call for hours.

3 - Suquamish Museum
15838 Sandy Hook RD
Poulsbo WA 98370
PO Box 498
Suquamish WA 98392-0498
(360) 394.8496
Experience the history of the Puget Sound Salish Tribes through “The Eyes of Chief Seattle” and Old-Man-House: The People and their way of Life at D’Suq’Wub’” these exhibits along with two slide/tape shows, help the visitor understand more about the first peoples of this region.  Ask the staff for a point of interest map and walk the beach where Old-Man-House once stood.  Pay respect at Chief Seattle’s Grave.

4 - Naval Undersea Museum
1 Garnett WAY
Keyport, WA 98345
(360) 396-4148
The museum combines naval history, undersea technology, and marine science to create an exciting and educational experience for visitors and includes the largest collection of naval undersea artifacts in the United States.  Major exhibits interpret the Ocean Environment, Torpedo and Mine Warfare Technology, and U.S. Submarines in WWII.  Significant artifacts include all major U.S. torpedoes from the 1890s to the present, a Confederate mine from the Civil War, and a recreation of the control room of the submarine USS Greenling.  Outdoor exhibits include the deep submergence vehicle Trieste II and the sail from the submarine USS Sturgeon. The exhibits incorporate numerous video, audio, and hands-on, interactive displays to enhance a visitor's experience.  Free Admission. 

5 - Bainbridge Island Historical Society Museum
215 Ericksen AVE NE
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 842-2773
The museum encompasses a research library, permanent and rotating exhibits, and a growing collection of cultural and historical photographs and artifacts.  Their mission is collecting, preserving and interpreting the colorful history of BainbridgeIsland; promoting Island historic preservation; and sponsoring the Museum.

6 - Clear Creek Sa’qad Interpretive Center
Great Peninsula Conservancy
Creekside Office Park
9641 Levin RD
Silverdale, WA 98383
Clear Creek Trail visitor's center with historical/environmental/native heritage exhibits and displays telling the story of Clear Creek, the valley, Silverdale and the people and animals who have lived along it through time.  Connected to nearly 6 miles of urban/rural trail in the heart of the Kitsap Peninsula.

7 - Kitsap County Historical Society Museum
280 Fourth ST
Bremerton, WA 98337
(360) 479-6226
Step into the past and travel through KitsapCounty from the glacial age through World War II.  See Native American baskets, wander through an historic “Main Street”, look into a stump farm, and discover that some bunkhouses really did float.  Let history weave its spell with our textile collection dating from the 1850's. Enjoy this exciting family destination! Call or e-mail for latest events and exhibit openings.

8 - Aurora Valentinetti Puppet Museum
257 Fourth ST
Bremerton, WA 98337
(360) 373-2992
A museum of theatrical puppets dedicated to puppetry, fun and education. Representing many different puppet types and different cultures from around the world. Hands-on children's activity area.

9 - USS Turner Joy
(Bremerton Historic Ships Association)
300 Washington Beach
Bremerton, WA 98337
(360) 377-4002
USS Turner Joy (DD-951) is a restored Vietnam era destroyer that can be toured from the boiler room to the bridge.  See the All Veterans POW memorial & the narrated WWII sea battles exhibit.  She is the last of the Forrest Sherman class destroyers, built in Seattle & commissioned in 1959, decommissioned in 1982. The first permanent, publicly accessible, naval heritage and educational ship attraction in the Pacific Northwest. 

10 - The Puget Sound Navy Museum
251 First ST
Bremerton, WA 98337
(360) 479-7447 FAX: (360) 377-4186
The Puget Sound Nav yMuseum collects, preserves, and interprets the naval heritage of the Pacific Northwest for the benefit of the U.S. Navy and general public. Explore the naval history of the region and experience life as a sailor through exhibits about the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, the USS John C. Stennis, and much more. The museum offers a gift shop, research library, and children’s area. Please call for the latest events and exhibit openings. The museum is located southwest of the Bremerton Transportation Center in historic Building 50.     
10AM – 4PM Monday through Saturday, 1PM – 4PM Sunday, Closed Tuesdays (October – April) Free Admission    

11 - Elandan Gardens, Ltd
3050 W State HWY 16
Bremerton, WA 98312
(360) 373-8260
A world famous bonsai collection is featured in this elegant NW garden nestled on SinclairInlet.  Walk amongst giant Japanese Maples and specimen Rhododendrons and experience the best of Puget Sound.  The garden museum features ancient trees and the work of celebrated artist Dan Robinson.  Sculpture and design studios showcase artists in action.  Visit the gift gallery for world class shopping.

12- Log Cabin Museum
416 Sidney AVE
Port Orchard, WA 98366
(360) 876-3693
Housed in an original settlers' cabin, the museum features a "family" which follow a seasonal story line depicting life in South Kitsap. The displays are changed regularly. 

13 - Sidney Museum & Arts Association
202 Sidney AVE
Port Orchard, WA 98366
(360) 876-3693
The Sidney Museum, above the Sidney Gallery features vignettes of life in early South Kitsap County and includes a general store, school, doctor's office and hardware store.  There are also plenty of photographs of Port Orchard through the years. 

14 - Puget Sound Genealogical Society
2501 SE Mile Hill DR, Suite A 102
Port Orchard, WA 98366-0805
Mail: PO Box 1931, Port Orchard, WA 98366
(360) 874-8813
“Preserving family history through education and research.” Our research library contains a substantial collection of national and international holdings and features a Northwest Room.  Films, workshops, classes, and special events are scheduled monthly. Research help available.  General meetings with featured speakers are held once a month.  Phone for meeting place directions.  Donations appreciated. 

15 - Gig Harbor Peninsula Historical Museum
4218 Harborview DR
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
(253) 858-6722
Explore early Gig Harbor’s pioneers, families and industries in the Harbor Heritage Gallery.  Also not to be missed are film footage and rare artifacts from the collapse of “Galloping Gertie” (the Tacoma Narrows Bridge). In addition, a Native American exhibit details the activities of the Peninsula’s first residents. The Showcase Gallery features a new exhibit on harbor history every 4-6 months.  The museum also offers a gift shop, research room, children’s area, and special events throughout the year.