Support the Steamer Virginia V Foundation

In 2025, the Virginia V spent January through May in dry dock, where we replaced half of the haul and completed major repairs to keep her safe and seaworthy. Looking ahead, we will return to dry dock in January 2026 to resurface the weather decks, an important step in maintaining this historic steamship for years to come.

Over the summer of 2022, a large steel guard piece on the outside of the port sponson became detached, revealing decayed wood layers inside. The sponson (also known as a guard) is essential in protecting the ship and provides a ledge for crewmembers during line handling while docking. That repair led us to create the “Fungus Fund”, dedicated to addressing repairs caused by wood decay and fungus. If you would like your donation to support fungus-specific repairs, please indicate this in your donation.

You can support the Virginia V Foundation today:

• Online: Donate securely via this website.

• By Mail: Send a check to:
  The Steamer Virginia V Foundation
  PO Box 9566
  Seattle, WA 98109

Please note we no longer have an office at South Lake Union. Do not send mail to our old Fairview Ave. N. or Terry Avenue addresses. Thank you for helping keep the Virginia V alive for future generations!

Every donation preserves, maintains, and operates Seattle's only National Historic Landmark vessel.

The Virginia V is the last of her kind. She has endured a long history ferrying people around Puget Sound for generations. She represents the region's hard-working past and this city's intimate connection to the sea. Read more about the ship's history and the investment needed to maintain her seaworthiness. As she continues to sail the waters of the Puget Sound, she demonstrates her value as a living, working maritime history museum.

The Foundation is primarily a volunteer-driven organization. That includes most of the crew and other staff you meet on board the ship. Their dedication and hard work serve more than 8,000 people who walk the decks of the Virginia V every year.

We know we need to do more. And we need your help to do it.

The Steamer Virginia V Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of The Internal Revenue Code. EIN: 91-0989160.

Please be sure to access any matching dollars for your contribution through your employer.  Let us know if you need any documentation or assistance from us to do so.

More Ways to Give