Sailing the waters once again, the Nordic Spirit was launched on Sunday, Aug. 30, east of the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, in commemoration of the 1909 sail of the Viking.

Its launch was near the site where the new Nordic Heritage Museum will be built.

Hundreds gathered at the event to listen to speakers reflecting on Nordic history in the Northwest.

The Nordic Heritage Museum restored the Nordic Spirit, a Viking-style boat in tribute to the 1909 Viking.

Throughout 2009, Seattle has been commemorating the Alaska-Yukon Pacific Exposition led by the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs.

Upon the Nordic Spirit’s arrival at Fishermen’s Terminal, the vessel was dedicated by Ballardites and special guests, such as Washington State Sen. Ken Jacobsen. The day was filled with activities for kids, refreshments and music from Seattle’s Norwegian Male Chorus and Norwegian Ladies Chorus recalling the music from 1909.