Founding Director, The Center for Wooden Boats

Dick Wagner started renting traditional small craft behind his 1909 floating home on Seattle’s Lake Union and, amazingly, made thousands of new friends who called his place a living museum and were expected to play with the exhibits. Over the next 45 years the little backyard marina expanded to become The Center for Wooden Boats, with hands-on programs for all ages and abilities at two sites: Seattle and Camano Island, Washington. He passed away in 2017, but thanks to his contributions to Pacific Northwest Maritime history, his legacy will live on. His knowledge and desire to inspire the next generation will be greatly missed.