Mosquito Fleet Vessel The Virginia V

Learn about the Mosquito Fleet of steamers that piled Liberty Bay and Puget Sound from the late 1880’s to the 1950’s. Walk the decks of the Virginia V, a National Historic Vessel and hear about the fleet of over 700 steamers that served the area. See the shining bright steam engine, and feel the wind in your hair as you listen to a local expert talk about the original ports of call all around Liberty Bay.

Come join us for a sunset cruise at sea on the Virginia V, Saturday, May 30th. Benefiting the Poulsbo Historical Society

Virginia V Poulsbo Schedule:

May 25th, 2026 Bremerton to Poulsbo 1-Way Cruise

May 28th, 2026 Poulsbo Dryft Concert

May 29th, 2026 Poulsbo Harbor Cruise

May 30th, 2026 Poulsbo Historical Society Dinner cruise

Carlisle II Pop-Up Ferry: Bremerton to Poulsbo

Valkyrie

Visit the Valkyrie, a true replica based on the ancient recovered ship ‘Skuldelev 6’, a Norwegian-built Viking ship unearthed after one thousand years from the waters at Roskilde, Denmark.

This 56′ beauty was hand-made by brothers here in Washington as a tribute to their father. With touches of Northwest Native tradidtions done by local indigenous carvers, the Valkyrie is one of a kind – and now homeported here in Poulsbo. Ride along, and maybe even pick up an oar!

MV Lotus Foundation

Step aboard the 1909 MV Lotus, a beautifully preserved cruising houseboat dedicated to maritime history and community connection. The Foundation keeps this Puget Sound treasure thriving through tours, education, and hands‑on preservation.

The Air Snipe – A Living WWII Legacy

Built in 1943, the Air Snipe is one of the last surviving SC‑497 class submarine chasers, a rare remnant of a 438‑vessel WWII fleet. Commissioned as SC‑1068, she served in the South Pacific on anti‑submarine patrols, convoy escorts, and landing support before becoming a U.S. Coast Guard Air Sea Rescue Cutter.

Sold into civilian service, she later helped pioneer barge transport between Seattle and Southeast Alaska. For more than 50 years, she was lovingly maintained by Kent Halvorsen and became a familiar sight in Ketchikan.

After Kent’s passing in 2023, maritime preservationists Matt Levy and Kelly Thynes brought her to Seattle to ensure her continued care. Now operated by a nonprofit, the Air Snipe is being preserved and opened to the public—honoring her service, her caretakers, and the maritime heritage she represents.

Faering

Virgil the miniature tugboat 

Virgil is a beloved miniature tugboat that has become a small but memorable part of Poulsbo’s waterfront charm. Perched near the Poulsbo Marina along Liberty Bay, Virgil is a whimsical nod to the town’s deep maritime roots — a playful reminder of the working tugboats, fishing vessels, and Mosquito Fleet steamers that once defined daily life on the bay.

Though not a historic vessel himself, Virgil celebrates the spirit of the boats that shaped Poulsbo’s past — sturdy, hardworking, and full of character. He’s a charming stop for families, a fun photo moment, and a sweet reminder that Poulsbo’s connection to the water is both historic and joyfully alive today.

Poulsbo Boats

A big thank you to Longship Marine for providing space in their parking lot so we could display the Poulsbo Boats.