Olympia – Washington Governor Chris Gregoire has scheduled a visit to the tall ship Lady Washington, the Official Ship of the State of Washington, for 8 a.m. Friday September 4 at the ship’s Percival Landing berth in Olympia. The governor will be joined by First Gentleman Mike Gregoire, and Capt. Les Bolton, executive director of the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority, which owns and operates the Lady Washington and her companion ship, Hawaiian Chieftain, which is also at Percival Landing. The Historical Seaport is based in Aberdeen.
The governor is scheduled to take a brief tour of the ships and meet the crews and officers, including Capt. Dave Haslam of the Lady Washington and Capt. John “JB” Morrison of the Hawaiian Chieftain.
Launched on March 7, 1989, the brig Lady Washington is touring Puget Sound in celebration of 20 years of changing people’s lives. More than one million people have walked her decks since her launch, including 200,000 school children who have participated in educational programs. The ship visits more than 40 ports a year on the west coast as the tall ship ambassador for the state and Grays Harbor County. In 2007, the Washington Legislature designated Lady Washington as the state’s official ship. Celebrating 20 Years of Changing People’s Lives: 1989-2009 – The Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) public development authority based in Aberdeen, Wash. that owns and operates the tall ships Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington, launched March 7, 1989, now the Official Ship of the State of Washington. GHHSA’s mission is to provide educational, vocational, recreational and ambassadorial activities and experiences that promote and preserve the maritime history of Grays Harbor, the Pacific Northwest, and our nation while serving the needs of the community.
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