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Historic Fort Steilacoom
9601 Steilacoom Blvd SW
Lakewood WA 98498
For email or mailing address: Contact Us
Shop the Past: Fort Steilacoom’s Living History Swap Meet is March 29
/in News/by fortsteilacoomLakewood, 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 preparing for the reenactment season, building a historical wardrobe, or searching for one-of-a-kind finds, there’s something for everyone.
The event is free for shoppers, and all proceeds support the Historic Fort Steilacoom Association, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the fort’s four original 1857-8 buildings.
The Swap Meet is not a reenactment; but members of the 20th Maine reenacting group will host demonstrations and talk about life during the US Civil War.
Because are vendors can bring what they’d like, we can’t guarantee the presence of a particular item or subject. But here is how just a sampling of vendors described their particular wares:
“(The photo here shows) a smattering of what I will have for sale/trade on Saturday. It is mainly Civil War reenacting uniforms, hats, and footwear, plus one minstrel banjo. I will also have WWII British/Canadian reenacting uniform parts and web equipment.”
“I’m going to bringing several pairs of gently/un-used American Duchess shoes (16th, 19th, 20th century, all size 7), a 1910s sock knitting machine, and various vintage sewing notions. The 20th Maine will likely be bringing Civil War-era items.”
“For the Fort Steilacoom table, I have some reference books and trims, and we may have crocheted tablecloths and doilies and possibly Regency and 1850s items.”
“Most of what I’m selling are original US ww2 items along with a handful of reproductions. Mostly smaller items like canteens and patches, but a couple uniforms and blankets too. I also have an original civil war cavalry saber as well as a circa 1870’s Prussian cavalry sword I plan on bringing too.”
One list includes:
Another list:
As of the time we’re posting this, we are still welcoming vendors until mid-week. Click here for the link to sign up to sell.
Important Notes:
Location: Fort Steilacoom is located near the entrance of Western State Hospital at 9601 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA.
For questions, contact [email protected].
📅 Don’t miss this opportunity to shop history and support historic preservation!
The fort receives marketing support from the City of Lakewood’s Lodging Tax Grants.
Jan. 19 online program: The ‘Discovery’ of the Salish Sea Many Times Over: Pawn in a Global Chess Match
/in News/by fortsteilacoomThe 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 forgot the fact that the lands those flag wavers claimed for their crowns already had residents who called it home, and they were doing just fine without visitors from the seas who brought disease and other effects of colonialism.
Speaker Steve Dunkelberger will discuss the weaving of facts and lore that create the narratives heard today.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/soIbYY5JSmu6ch5FiTIRWA
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Steve is a co-founder of the Lakewood Historical Society and an advisory board member of Fort Steilacoom Museum. He co-authored two books on Lakewood and one on McNeil Island and is working on a book about Fort Steilacoom with Walter Neary.
Steve is also the founder and host of Steve’s Drunk/Local History in bars and retirement communities around Lakewood and Tacoma as well as a historical writer for SouthSoundTalk.com. He has been featured on podcasts and television shows, including Grit City Podcast, Rainy Day Rabbit Hole, Discovery Channel’s The Dead Files, and PBS and CSPAN segments on Tacoma and Pierce County.
He is an instructor at Pierce College- Military Programs and Tacoma Public Schools.
Historic Fort Steilacoom exists on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish Peoples whose ancestors resided here since time immemorial and have stewarded this land throughout the generations. Our association acknowledges the complex history of the Fort and its role in the colonization of the area. We are actively working to incorporate the diverse perspectives and experiences of all individuals and communities who interacted with the Fort.
This is one in a series of talks in commemoration of the 175th anniversary of the founding of Fort Steilacoom. More info at https://historicfortsteilacoom.org/events/
Experience an 1861 Christmas at Historic Fort Steilacoom on Dec. 14
/in News/by fortsteilacoomStep 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 of re-enactors singing, dancing, dining, and exchanging gifts, just as the residents of Fort Steilacoom might have done in the first U.S. military post in Puget Sound. Visitors from 2024 will walk past and witness scenes as if the visitors are silent time travelers.
Though 1861 marked the beginning of the U.S. Civil War, Christmas at Fort Steilacoom was a time of celebration and social gathering, where soldiers, families, and friends came together in a festive spirit.
Ticket Information
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for youth. A family of up to two adults and four youth pays $12. Proceeds support the maintenance of Fort Steilacoom’s historic buildings. Tickets are available in advance through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christmas-at-historic-fort-steilacoom-1861-in-2024-tickets-1086615178249?aff=oddtdtcreator
This popular event often sells out, so advance purchase is highly recommended. You can check the Fort Steilacoom Facebook page for updates about tickets.
The final tour group departs at 7:10 p.m.
Fort Steilacoom is on the grounds of Western State Hospital, located at 9601 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood, WA 98498. Be sure to use this address to locate the fort, as GPS may direct you to nearby Fort Steilacoom Park. After entering Western State, turn right, and look for the cannon shelter and lights. Tours start at the building furthest right of the four.
About Fort Steilacoom
Fort Steilacoom was the first U.S. Army post in Puget Sound, operating from 1849 to 1868. Now managed entirely by volunteers, it holds an essential place in the settlement and early history of Washington Territory. The Historic Fort Steilacoom Association is dedicated to preserving this heritage, acknowledging the complex history of the Fort, and including diverse perspectives in its storytelling.
Learn more at www.historicfortsteilacoom.org.