Tags: History

Capt. Garral David, Commanding Officer, Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, will be the main speaker. The program is themed- "Honoring Our Nations Heroes' and will include O.H. High School NJROTC Color Guard, the Daybreak Vocal Trio, First United Methodist Church Choir, All Island Community Band, Oak Harbor Elks Lodge Flag Folding Ceremony and Mayor Jim Slowik.

Everyone Welcome, particularly veterans, retired, active duty, reservists and their families.

Sponsored by the Oak Harbor Area Council, Navy League.

The panel discussion will be moderated by longtime resident and local history enthusiast Rob Harbour, and will be an informal video oral history gathering, featuring the colorful stories of three sisters that grew up on Whidbey Island – and still live here: Lyla Snover, Jan Coffman, and Marilyn Bailey, all pioneer daughters of the Libbey family. They will share their personal and family stories and memories, and will invite audience interaction during the evening’s program. Bring your favorite dessert to share with your neighbors.

Suggested donation is $5, to benefit Island County Historical Museum. Several local history books will also be available for sale.

* What was it like on Coupeville’s Front Street in the 30’s – 40’s – 50’s … the 70’s? Remember the Circuit Theater? – The Old Town Shop? - The gas pump?* Several featured guests – former business owners, local shoppers, and “candy store kids” now all grown up, will share their stories and memories of times past in our historic waterfront business district.
* Interactive format allows audience members to ask questions and share their stories and legends.
* Dessert potluck – Bring your favorite goodies (heritage recipes are a great idea! Avoid refrigerated items, please).
* The session will be videotaped to be added to the Archives of Island County Historical Museum.
* Moderated by local historian Judy Lynn.

Coupeville - The third annual Wharf Fest returns to the historic Coupeville Waterfront on June 27 and 28. This year’s theme celebrates small boats. Kayaks, canoes, rowboats, small sailboats, model boats, and other, small craft are welcome join the festivities. The object is to assemble as many small craft as possible – in the water, or on land for display. Launching facilities are nearby, and moorage is available at the historic 1905 Coupeville Wharf, where kayak rentals are also available. At 2 o’clock, a small boat flotilla will be assembled and paraders will pass by the wharf for photo opps.

Wharf Fest is an all-free, family-fun festival, sponsored by the Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association, and features music, kids activities, hayrides, vintage boats and vehicles, and Pirates! The Island County Historical Museum will be open by donation during Wharf Fest, and will feature a special maritime exhibit.

Bring your boat and have a ball!

Please call if you’d like to join the Wharf Fest Small Boat Flotilla, or for more information, 360-678-3310.

"The West From the Air" is an exhibition of vintage 1930s aerial photographs from a collection made in the late 1920s and 1930s by the 91st Observation Squadron, a U.S. Army Air Corps unit based between the world wars at Crissy Field, CA and Fort Lewis, WA.

Included are vintage aerial photographs of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Saint Helens, historic Boeing aircraft in flight, western sites like Hearst Castle, Bonneville and Grand Coulee Dams, Palomar Observatory, Alcatraz Island and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

The famous Telegraph racing canoe returns to the Island County Historical Museum on Wednesday, July 22, about noon.

The Telegraph, carved at Swinomish in1906 by Charlie Edwards, was once described as“…the fastest canoe on Sound waters.” For almost three decades, it was the canoe to beat during the annual summer races, and it dominated the competition from local tribes, as well as those from British Columbia. In 1929, the town of Coupeville began hosting the International Indian War Canoe Race. Six years later, the Telegraph retired from active racing. The Swinomish gave the canoe to Wiley Hesselgrave of Coupeville in recognition of his founding the Coupeville races, for his avid support of Indian canoe racing, and for the kindness showed the participants

The Telegraph eventually became part of the Island County Historical Museum’s collection, where it is cared for and displayed in front of the museum along with other classic Indian racing canoes such as the Elson and the Flying Cloud.

In May 2008, the Island County Historical Museum loaned the Telegraph to Whatcom Museum in Bellingham, for their year-long exhibit, World of the Shipwright. On July 22, members of the Edwards family will escort the Telegraph back to Coupeville. On the journey home, the Telegraph will be brought through the Swinomish Reservation in LaConner, at about 10am, where a blessing ceremony will be conducted, then she’ll proceed to Coupeville, where she will be placed back with her canoe companions, and into a newly-restored canoe shed.

Help celebrate 60 years of Island County History at our Birthday Bash & Auction that will include food for purchase from vendors at the Coupeville Farmer's Market, Kid's Tent with face painting, crafts, fun and games. Kids are encouraged to dress in pioneer attire for costume contest. The admission free fundraising event is open to the public.

Registration for the auction begins at 1:30pm with the silent auction from 2-3pm. The live auction, conducted by auctioneer Dale Sherman, will run from 3-4pm. All proceeds to to the Island County historical Museum (501(c)(3)) to continue daily operations. The Museum will be selling memberships, memorial bricks, gift shop items and hot dogs.

Consider donating an item for auction. Donations are accepted from July 1-July 18th. Items should have a value of at least $40. Cash donations are accepted. Donations are tax deductible.

It's true! Whidbey Island's Woolly Mammoths come "home" for a day of fun and informative activities, tailored for children, at the Island County Historical Museum.

All activities FREE with regular admission

Museum Day is a National Event sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution that showcases our nations museums and features free and special admission offers on the last Saturday of each September.

Island County Historical Museum collects and interprets local history from throughout Island County, and host special programs and events. The Museum also maintains an extensive archives and research library that is open to the public by appointment. Admission to the museum is by donation on the 26th.

The Whidbey Camano Land Trust invites you to "go green" on one of the two special bus tours to visit three Land Trust-protected properties on Whidbey Island, including properties not open to the public. Highlights include guided forest walks and an archaeological site presentation.

Tickets are $15 per person. A snack and drink will be provided. Space is limited.

Actual storytelling and story reading to illustrate Indian ways of preserving and passing on history. Exploring the similarities between storytelling and museum work which also preserves history – both ways ‘guarding’ the past from loss and/or corruption through misrepresentation.

$7 suggested donation at the door

A plein-air (outdoor, on-site) art class devoted to rendering images of historic buildings in our area. Pastel and oil mediums encouraged.

$45 per student, minimum of 4, maximum of 8 students. Weather permitting.

The Island County Historical Museum is featuring a temporary exhibit titled “Glory Days – from Sandlots to Super Bowls”, featuring local and national sports memorabilia. The exhibit centerpiece is a life-sized carved wooden baseball pitcher from the early 1900’s. As a Boston Red Sox player, he likely began his “career” as a cigar store attraction in Boston, but was discovered by a local collector in Southern California, and now calls Coupeville home! Also featured are vintage sports cards, football and baseball gear, rare autographs, posters, and a vast assortment of photos of local sports teams, including the Oak Harbor Oaks, and the Coupeville Sprouts, all from the early part of the 1900s. The exhibit is part of the “Community Collections” series.

Presented by the Pacific NorthWest Art School, the Whidbey Preservation Art Show is a juried show of painting, photographs, fiber arts and 3D work that evokes and enhances the preservation of Whidbey Island's unique historic and cultural heritage. The show will open in conjunction with the "Ebey's Forever Second Annual Conference".

Presented by the Pacific NorthWest Art School, the Whidbey Preservation Art Show is a juried show of painting, photographs, fiber arts and 3D work that evokes and enhances the preservation of Whidbey Island's unique historic and cultural heritage. The show will open in conjunction with the "Ebey's Forever Second Annual Conference".

For the young and young at heart, learning the simple but satisfying old skill of making dolls from dry cornhusks for the holidays.

$4 per student

Exploring the meanings beyond the names ‘raven’, ‘frog’, ‘bear’, etc in Northwest Coast Indian art. Second offering (held first in April) of this completely unique class, features slides, hands-on experience, handouts and lecture by museum educator Gordon Grant.

$10 at the door

The PBY Memorial Foundation in conjunction with the ANA will hold its annual Pearl Harbor Commemoration at the NAS Island CPO Club. This is a no host luncheon with speakers. Everyone is welcome.

With the generous support and cooperation of four exceedingly charming Coupeville households, Island County Historical Society (ICHS) Museum is hosting their 2009 Holiday Home Tour. This year’s Holiday Home Tour will begin with a warm welcome at the Museum and features the Aleck & Susie Kettle House (currently owned and restored by Coleen and Rudy Parhaniemi ) and the Fullington House (now owned and re-restored by Gay Santos), both historic homes are located near Coupeville’s Town Park. Additionally, long time friends of the Museum, Maury & Charlotte Christensen, will open their holiday themed Madrona Way Coupe de Villa B&B. We have also added a special Twist for the willing -- join a party in progress on Krueger Street, one of the most beautifully lit streets in Coupeville. This leg of your tour is sponsored by the ICHS Board of Trustees and will be held at the home of Joe Walck & Jackie Feusier. Generous hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be offered. This house was built for wheelchair accessibility by Clifton View Homes ten years ago. All four homes are within walking distance of the Museum. Let the lights of the season and a little help by the weather guide your way.

Bookings are limited. Make your reservations at the Museum or by calling the Museum. Donation is $20 per person.

A painting class for artists of all skills and media, specializing in historic buildings, antique still-life, and storied landscapes. A modest $10 per 3-hr session, will run regularly the fourth Thursday of each month Must register by Jan 20.

A hands-on class exploring and making this famous example of NW Coast Indian art. You are guaranteed to finish – and learn a great deal about the origins, design elements, and ceremonial uses of your rattle. $45 registration, $10 per class the second and last Saturday of each month. You supply tools (list provided by instructor). Must register by Jan 15.

The second Whidbey Preservation Art Exhibition takes place at the Pacific NorthWest Art School on Feb. 12th at 6:00pm. Artists will once again be submitting their work based on the premise of what they cherish and feel needs to be preserved on Whidbey Island. The show will remain open to the public from Feb. 12-28 Mon.-Fri. 9:00am to 4:00pm.

Look for paintings, photographs, and 3D pieces inspired by this theme. Come see and purchase the art, meet new folks and see what the art school has to offer

A hands-on class exploring and making this famous example of NW Coast Indian Art. You are guaranteed to finish and learn a great deal about the origins, design elements and ceremonial use of your rattle. $45 registration, $10 per class the 2nd and last Sat. of each month. You supply tools (list provided by instructor). Must register.

Step back into the past with master flint knapper Dr. Joe Higgins and his motley crew of primitive enthusiasts. Learn the ancient techniques of Flint Knapping, the prehistoric art of making stone tools. See the stone tools and weapons of our American Indian ancestors made using traditional materials. Presented by the Whidbey Island Rock and Gem Club.

A lecture with handouts and slides, about the state of the country, the politics, the dreams and frustrations, and the impulses behind the Way West throughout the last half of the 19th century. $5 suggested donation at the door. Please sign up by Feb 1.

A lecture with slides on how our understanding of the American West has been created and influenced by artists and photographers over the last hundred and fifty years. Examples of paintings, drawings, and photos by those were there – and those who weren’t: all seeing something slightly different and unique. $5 suggested donation at the door. Please sign up by Feb 5

A painting class for artists of all skills and media, specializing in historic buildings, antique still-life, and storied landscapes. $10 per 3 hour session, will run regularly the 4th Thurs. of each month. Registration required.

A hands-on class exploring and making this famous example of NW Coast Indian Art. You are guaranteed to finish and learn a great deal about the origins, design elements and ceremonial use of your rattle. $45 registration, $10 per class the 2nd and last Sat. of each month. You supply tools (list provided by instructor). Must register.

A hands-on class exploring and making this famous example of NW Coast Indian Art. You are guaranteed to finish and learn a great deal about the origins, design elements and ceremonial use of your rattle. $45 registration, $10 per class the 2nd and last Sat. of each month. You supply tools (list provided by instructor). Must register.

A painting class for artists of all skills and media, specializing in historic buildings, antique still-life, and storied landscapes. $10 per 3 hour session, will run regularly the 4th Thurs. of each month. Registration required.

A hands-on class exploring and making this famous example of NW Coast Indian Art. You are guaranteed to finish and learn a great deal about the origins, design elements and ceremonial use of your rattle. $45 registration, $10 per class the 2nd and last Sat. of each month. You supply tools (list provided by instructor). Must register.

A hands-on class exploring and making this famous example of NW Coast Indian Art. You are guaranteed to finish and learn a great deal about the origins, design elements and ceremonial use of your rattle. $45 registration, $10 per class the 2nd and last Sat. of each month. You supply tools (list provided by instructor). Must register.

A painting class for artists of all skills and media, specializing in historic buildings, antique still-life, and storied landscapes. $10 per 3 hour session, will run regularly the 4th Thurs. of each month. Registration required.

A hands-on class exploring and making this famous example of NW Coast Indian Art. You are guaranteed to finish and learn a great deal about the origins, design elements and ceremonial use of your rattle. $45 registration, $10 per class the 2nd and last Sat. of each month. You supply tools (list provided by instructor). Must register.

A hands-on class exploring and making this famous example of NW Coast Indian Art. You are guaranteed to finish and learn a great deal about the origins, design elements and ceremonial use of your rattle. $45 registration, $10 per class the 2nd and last Sat. of each month. You supply tools (list provided by instructor). Must register.

The Penn Cove Water Festival features annual tribal canoe races, Native arts and crafts, demonstrations, storytelling, dance performances, artist demonstrations, authentic Native foods, children's activities, and exhibits and displays.

A free family festival on the historic Coupeville waterfront.

A painting class for artists of all skills and media, specializing in historic buildings, antique still-life, and storied landscapes. $10 per 3 hour session, will run regularly the 4th Thurs. of each month. Registration required.

A hands-on class exploring and making this famous example of NW Coast Indian Art. You are guaranteed to finish and learn a great deal about the origins, design elements and ceremonial use of your rattle. $45 registration, $10 per class the 2nd and last Sat. of each month. You supply tools (list provided by instructor). Must register.

A hands-on class exploring and making this famous example of NW Coast Indian Art. You are guaranteed to finish and learn a great deal about the origins, design elements and ceremonial use of your rattle. $45 registration, $10 per class the 2nd and last Sat. of each month. You supply tools (list provided by instructor). Must register.

A painting class for artists of all skills and media, specializing in historic buildings, antique still-life, and storied landscapes. $10 per 3 hour session, will run regularly the 4th Thurs. of each month. Registration required.

A hands-on class exploring and making this famous example of NW Coast Indian Art. You are guaranteed to finish and learn a great deal about the origins, design elements and ceremonial use of your rattle. $45 registration, $10 per class the 2nd and last Sat. of each month. You supply tools (list provided by instructor). Must register.

A two day event celebrating Coupeville's seafaring past. Displays of vintage steam powered boats, vintage sailing vessels. Free children's activities and free music. Free admission and parking. Free pirates!

A hands-on class exploring and making this famous example of NW Coast Indian Art. You are guaranteed to finish and learn a great deal about the origins, design elements and ceremonial use of your rattle. $45 registration, $10 per class the 2nd and last Sat. of each month. You supply tools (list provided by instructor). Must register.

A painting class for artists of all skills and media, specializing in historic buildings, antique still-life, and storied landscapes. $10 per 3 hour session, will run regularly the 4th Thurs. of each month. Registration required.

A hands-on class exploring and making this famous example of NW Coast Indian Art. You are guaranteed to finish and learn a great deal about the origins, design elements and ceremonial use of your rattle. $45 registration, $10 per class the 2nd and last Sat. of each month. You supply tools (list provided by instructor). Must register.

A hands-on class exploring and making this famous example of NW Coast Indian Art. You are guaranteed to finish and learn a great deal about the origins, design elements and ceremonial use of your rattle. $45 registration, $10 per class the 2nd and last Sat. of each month. You supply tools (list provided by instructor). Must register.

A painting class for artists of all skills and media, specializing in historic buildings, antique still-life, and storied landscapes. $10 per 3 hour session, will run regularly the 4th Thurs. of each month. Registration required.

A hands-on class exploring and making this famous example of NW Coast Indian Art. You are guaranteed to finish and learn a great deal about the origins, design elements and ceremonial use of your rattle. $45 registration, $10 per class the 2nd and last Sat. of each month. You supply tools (list provided by instructor). Must register.

A hands-on class exploring and making this famous example of NW Coast Indian Art. You are guaranteed to finish and learn a great deal about the origins, design elements and ceremonial use of your rattle. $45 registration, $10 per class the 2nd and last Sat. of each month. You supply tools (list provided by instructor). Must register.

A painting class for artists of all skills and media, specializing in historic buildings, antique still-life, and storied landscapes. $10 per 3 hour session, will run regularly the 4th Thurs. of each month. Registration required.

A hands-on class exploring and making this famous example of NW Coast Indian Art. You are guaranteed to finish and learn a great deal about the origins, design elements and ceremonial use of your rattle. $45 registration, $10 per class the 2nd and last Sat. of each month. You supply tools (list provided by instructor). Must register.

A hands-on class exploring and making this famous example of NW Coast Indian Art. You are guaranteed to finish and learn a great deal about the origins, design elements and ceremonial use of your rattle. $45 registration, $10 per class the 2nd and last Sat. of each month. You supply tools (list provided by instructor). Must register.

A painting class for artists of all skills and media, specializing in historic buildings, antique still-life, and storied landscapes. $10 per 3 hour session, will run regularly the 4th Thurs. of each month. Registration required.

A hands-on class exploring and making this famous example of NW Coast Indian Art. You are guaranteed to finish and learn a great deal about the origins, design elements and ceremonial use of your rattle. $45 registration, $10 per class the 2nd and last Sat. of each month. You supply tools (list provided by instructor). Must register.

Experience America’s rural roots in our nation’s first historical reserve. The Reserve is a twenty-four square mile mosaic of working farms, iconic barns, trails, and hedgerows framing soils and historic structures of national significance. The event features a new slate of behind-the-scenes field trips, hands-on workshops, music and a taste of Ebey’s — hosted by leading voices in agriculture, historic preservation and sustainability.

The Captain Whidbey Inn's Ship of Fools Restaurant is preparing a special gourmet menu for the feast, with proceeds from the dinner to benefit Island County Museum programming and operations. A fine selection of wines and beer are available at the no-host bar. Traditional holiday music by Bev Heising and Vern Olsen.

Holiday attire is suggested. $100 per plate. Call 360-678-3310 to RSVP.