Historic Port of Washington Project

Washington, NC Waterfront - 1884

Historic Port of Washington Project

Preserving Washington's maritime history for future generations.

Our Mission

The Historic Port of Washington Project (HPOW) is a volunteer-led initiative dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Washington, North Carolina. Our goal is to educate the public on the importance of safeguarding this heritage and to inspire involvement through donations and volunteer efforts. With events, exhibits, and community outreach, we support historic preservation efforts and celebrate the city’s legacy as a port. By working together, we can ensure that Washington’s history remains a vital part of its future.

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You may donate by check. Please make checks payable to Historic Port of Washingon. To make an online donation, please click below:

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Then and Now: Market St. in 1913 vs. today

Our Work Around Town

Bringing Washington’s history to life, we’ve developed a history walking tour, created a mural of the waterfront circa 1900, established a downtown exhibit showcasing the city’s past, and restored a historic "ghost sign" in the Harbor District.

The Washington Market Mural

Initially painted around 1900, this 10-foot mural was restored by the Historic Port of Washington Project in 2022. The mural features a scene of what Washington would have looked like at the turn of the century.

"Ghost Sign" Restoration

The first of eleven restored "Ghost Signs" around town is the “Wine of Cardui” sign, located at the river end of South Market Street. These advertisements are clearly visible on the exterior walls of local buildings are considered physical treasures.

Harbor District Historical Tour

Experience Washington's Harbor District historical treasures with this self-guided audio tour. Along the way, you will learn how maritime commerce contributed to Washington's growth as an important trade center for eastern North Carolina.

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Become A Part of History

Exciting projects are underway to preserve and showcase Washington’s rich history! We’re securing and displaying Port of Washington artifacts, capturing oral histories from residents, restoring faded "ghost signs," and creating vibrant historical murals downtown. Join us in bringing the past to life—your support can help make these projects a reality!

Support

As a private, nonprofit organization, the Historic Port of Washington relies on generous gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations to support our mission. In times of upheaval and uncertainty, we rely on history to guide us.

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Discover

At the Historic Port of Washington, we tell the stories of our NC town to a broad community of learners. We seek to bring people together to satisfy their curiosity, learn each other’s stories, and develop respect for the larger community in which we live.

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Keep up with the latest news from the Historic Port of Washington! Follow us on Facebook and/or Youtube. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on upcoming events and our efforts around town.

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