Highliners: Boats of the Century

Alaskans traveling through Seattle the next several months -- which, let's be honest, is all of us -- should take note of an interesting exhibit on longliners and the North Pacific fisheries of the early 1900s. The Center for Wooden Boats in Seattle presents “Highliners: Boats of the Century,” an exhibit that tells the story of the historic power-schooners of Seattle’s longline fleet, many of which are 100 years old and still actively fishing. Many of the vessels operated in the Alaska halibut fishery.

The exhibit is open now and will run through Fall 2014 at the CWB’s South Lake Union location: 1010 Valley Street, Seattle.

Many of these unique vessels were built on the shores of Puget Sound, as Seattle was coming into its own as a city. Although less than 20 remain from a fleet that numbered over 150 in its heyday, the vessels and fishermen are still a vital part of Seattle’s maritime economy. In celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the Fishing Vessel Owners’ Association, several historic vessels will be moored at South Lake Union.