The Pacific Maritime Heritage Center is a major museum, an interactive center that incorporates the working wharf, educational programs, and local maritime uses. The center features maritime-related exhibits and art. It has been designed to attract, educate, and entertain all ages, instilling in local residents and visitors a sense of place and community, a place they will want to visit again and again.
The Pacific Maritime & Heritage Center is located in an impressive building on Newport’s historic Bayfront. The building and site were purchased by the Lincoln County Historical Society in 2004. The site was first graced with a home built in 1890 for Dr. James Bayley and his wife, Elizabeth. That building burned in 1923, leaving only the foundation and chimney. A new home was built in 1925 by World War I hero General Ulysses Grant McAlexander on the site. In the late 1970s and early 80s, the structure underwent extensive remodeling and expansion and reopened as Smuggler’s Cove, a restaurant and nightclub. Most recently it housed Gracie’s at Smuggler’s Cove, a popular restaurant and entertainment spot.
