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Gifts for Good: Tahoe Maritime Museum

Sun Staff Report
Sierra Sun/Seth LightcapThe Tahoe Maritime Museum preserves and showcases the history of Lake Tahoe with an emphasis on the people and maritime artifacts that have contributed to making Tahoe such a special place.
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Executive Director: Bill Kraus

Address: 5205 West Lake Blvd. (next to Homewood Ski Resort)

P.O. Box 627 Homewood, CA 96141



Phone: (530) 525 – 9253

Hours of Operation



10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Memorial Day Weekend

Every day except Wednesdays from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day

The Tahoe Maritime Museum preserves and showcases the history of Lake Tahoe with an emphasis on the people and maritime artifacts that have contributed to making Tahoe such a special place.

People are surprised to learn that the Museum was incorporated more than 20 years ago when volunteers made a commitment to collect and share local maritime history. In 2001, the Board of Directors purchased the Homeside Motel and turned it into a charming, quirky, summer Museum. In 2007, with the tremendous support of local and statewide donors, work began on the incredible new building that the Museum calls home today.

The organization really blossomed in the early part of this decade when the first of many boats were added to the Museum’s collection. The museum also includes historic photos, the oldest operational Chris-Craft in existence, and hundreds of artifacts including trophies, boating art, and classic boats. The second floor includes a timeline with detailed historic pictures and a restoration exhibit that showcases the process of returning a classic “woodie” to its grandeur.

The Museum offers a unique, comfortable, fun, and educational venue on the West Shore. Children love the hands-on crafts and knot tying station and join adults in taking a close look at exquisitely restored boats, racing trophies, historic photos, and Shanghai, a sturdy vessel from the 1890s that was recovered from the bottom of the lake eight years ago. With few stores on the west shore, the community has welcomed the small Museum Shop as a place to find high quality logo wear, books, and special gifts.

How can people contribute?

The Museum offers a variety of ways for people to get involved. One key way is through membership, which starts at $40 and includes free admission for a full year for your household, our newsletter, and invitations to special events. Local residents can also become museum docents. Contributors to the new building capital campaign can be recognized on the Donor Wall as well.

What if they are unable to donate money but want to help?

Volunteers are integral to our success. If you love sharing your passion about Tahoe and enjoy working with students you can volunteer with the Museum’s Schools Program. If you like giving tours, become a summer docent and share your knowledge and enthusiasm while describing the Museum’s exhibits to visitors. We welcome a variety of ages and backgrounds.

What future plans do you have for your nonprofit?

Upcoming events include Monthly Family Movie Nights on Jan. 31 and Feb. 28 and apres ski hot chocolate on select Saturdays throughout the season. The Museum will continue providing free in-class presentations and field trips to local classroom teachers and students.

Is there anything you would like to add?

We’re a community organization focused on serving local families throughout the year. We are more than a “museum just about boats”. You can come to our monthly movie nights and enjoy some laughs and a snack by the fireplace or relax with friends and family in our community reading area. Anyone can sign up for our free monthly E-Times at http://www.tahoemaritime.org and see an up to date schedule of events online.

Read about all the nonprofits profiled int his series at http://www.sierrasun.com/giftsforgood


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