Lakewood, WA – History buffs, reenactors, and collectors take note! The Fort Steilacoom Living History Swap Meet returns on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Historic Fort Steilacoom in Lakewood. This unique event brings together vendors offering historic clothing, military gear, period accessories, books, crafting supplies, and more. Whether you’re […]
The future Washington state was settled, discovered and claimed by a host of peoples and countries for various reasons. The Pacific Northwest is often viewed as being on “the far side of the world” — but it was really the center in some ways, since it was “discovered” by countries from both sides. Some narratives […]
Step back in time and experience Christmas as it was celebrated in 1861! Join Historic Fort Steilacoom in Lakewood on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, from 4:30 to 8 p.m., as living historians bring the holiday season to life in the same buildings where it was celebrated 163 years ago. Visitors will walk through candlelit scenes […]
Here are two opportunities to learn a lot about Lakewood’s early history as part of the United States. One is online, and one is in person. They cover a big part of our community’s history as the first US military presence in all of Puget Sound. 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17: Learn about the military […]
HFSA board president Walter Neary marked the 175th anniversary of Fort Steilacoom’s founding with a talk at Lakewood’s Coffee With the Mayor on Aug. 21. The event took place in a building in Fort Steilacoom Park, which had been part of the original post and is across Steilacoom Boulevard from the museum. The talk was […]
By Walter Neary The following is from the September 2024 issue of the Historic Fort Steilacoom journal. Serving as president of the board at Historic Fort Steilacoom both 20 years ago and again today has given me a unique point of view. One, I’m grateful anyone wanted me back, and two, the time away has […]
What Your Parents Knew About Local History Was Likely Wrong By Walter Neary Across the nation, many museums honor the U.S. Army while grappling with the challenging history of westward expansion. However, Fort Steilacoom Museum didn’t emerge until 1980. Even now, more than 40 years later, many people say they have never heard of Fort […]
Why Fort Steilacoom Disappeared Between 1868 and 1978 What Your Parents Knew About Local History Might Have Been Wrong By Walter Neary Across the nation, many museums honor the U.S. Army and the complex history of westward expansion. However, Fort Steilacoom Museum didn’t emerge until 1980, and even today, it’s common to meet people who […]
The next Lakewood Community Coffeehouse with Mayor Jason Whalen is Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024 at 6 p.m. Mayor Whalen is excited to welcome former Lakewood City Council member and Historic Fort Steilacoom 2020-24 board president Walter Neary. Neary will share about Historic Fort Steilacoom, which recognizes its 175th birthday this year. As part of his […]
The Historic Fort Steilacoom Association (HFSA) is thrilled to announce the acquisition of artifacts belonging to Private Christopher M. Mahon, an Irish-born soldier stationed at Fort Steilacoom in 1849. This remarkable discovery sheds light on the lives of early military personnel and their enduring connection to the Puget Sound region. Mahon, a member of Company […]