Victory in the Capitol!!

The boards of the Whidbey Island Maritime Heritage Foundation (Schooner Suva) and Historic Whidbey (Haller House) are thrilled to announce that our long-awaited "Nautical Northwest" specialty license plate was passed by the Legislature last month and Senate Bill 5444 was signed into law yesterday by Governor Bob Ferguson!  Proceeds of plate sales will support our two nonprofits in preserving Whidbey Island's heritage resources.

We began this process in 2020, but perseverance has won the day.  This bill authorized thirteen different new plates, but it also places a moratorium on any new plate applications until 2029.  We feel very lucky to be the "last car on the ferry"!

When will the plates be available?

Great question!  There are still a number of technological hurdles to pass before production can be scheduled.  Some of the organizations on the bill have been trying to pass even longer than we have and so we will be in line behind them.  We don't expect the plates to be available until later in 2026, but we will keep you posted!  

Boatloads of thanks to all our supporters for making this victory possible!!

Historic Whidbey's Lynn Hyde (far left) joins fellow beneficiaries of the bill from the Seattle Metro Pickleball Association, the Washington Tree Farm Program and the Washington State Beekeepers Association as Gov. Bob Ferguson signs Senate Bill 5444. 

One if by land & two if by sea!

Celebrating the 250th anniversary of

Paul Revere’s famous ride!

Schedule of Events

Sunday, April 13 

“The truer story of Paul Revere’s Ride”
a history talk with historian Lynn Hyde
Coupeville Library
788 NW Alexander Street
6:30 p.m., (admission is free, in-person only)  

Friday, April 18

For Kids: Reading of Longfellow’s famous poem,
“The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere”
Kingfisher Book Store
16 Front Street NW
10:00 a.m. – preschoolers, with Meg Olson 
4:00 p.m. – elementary schoolers, with Joann Roomes

Evening: SHHH! Express messenger

Paul Revere rides from Boston

with urgent news from the Sons of Liberty!!
Island County Historical Museum
908 NW Alexander Street
7:45 p.m., reception & reading by Patrick Hussey to follow

Bring your lanterns!! TELL NO TORIES!!

For more information contact: coupevillechamber.com
(360) 678-5434, ext. 102