Support restoration transparency for the Lady Washington

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The Issue

For those who grew up in Washington State, the Lady Washington was a beacon of our maritime heritage and a source of immense local pride. As children we were mesmerized by its historical grandeur and the stories it carried from its many voyages. The Lady Washington is not just a ship but a living testament to the Pacific Northwest’s rich maritime history, serving both as an educational vessel and a cherished community symbol.

Yet, for almost two years, this icon of our maritime heritage has been dry docked and under restoration with little to no progress to show for it. Reports have emerged about the lack of significant restoration activity, causing deep concern among us, the people of Washington State, who cherish this cultural treasure. The Grays Harbor Historical Seaport, along with the City of Aberdeen, is entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining transparency and demonstrating diligence in the restoration of the Lady Washington.

The primary issue at hand is transparency. The community deserves to know how funds allocated for the restoration are being utilized. There should be clear, consistent reports regarding the progress and setbacks associated with the restoration process. This accountability is crucial to building trust and ensuring that the Lady Washington can once again sail as the queen of the seas, teaching future generations about our coastal legacy.

We urge the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport and the City of Aberdeen to actively communicate and engage with the public about the state of the restoration process. Regular updates, a detailed financial breakdown of expenditures, and clear timelines should be made publicly available to reassure the public that our beloved Lady Washington will be restored to its full glory.

Join us in advocating for transparency and action to secure the future of the Lady Washington. By signing this petition, you are supporting not only the revival of a historical artifact but also the enrichment of our community's cultural heritage. Let's hold those responsible accountable to ensure that the Lady Washington sails once more, continuing her journey as an ambassador of our shared maritime history. Please sign this petition today to stand up for transparency and action!

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Rob GrayPetition StarterThe captain is the community, the community is the captain.
Media inquiries

The Decision Makers

Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority
Responded
“We understand why people care so deeply about the Lady Washington. Many of us share that attachment. She has been part of this community for decades, and we want nothing more than to see her restored and sailing again. We have reviewed the petition currently being circulated, as well as statements being shared alongside it. We believe it is important to distinguish between the two. The petition itself asks for greater transparency regarding the restoration of Lady Washington, including information about expenditures, progress and anticipated timelines. Those are fair questions, and we welcome the public’s interest in the project. Some of the statements being circulated with the petition, however, go substantially further and include claims of negligence and calls for the removal of the Seaport’s Executive Director and Board. Those statements do not accurately reflect either the petition itself or the circumstances surrounding the restoration. The restoration of a historic wooden vessel of this scale is a complicated and expensive undertaking. The fact that Lady Washington has remained out of service longer than anyone would like does not mean that she has been abandoned or that nothing has been done or is being done. The Seaport remains committed to completing the work necessary to return her to service. We also want to be clear that the Seaport’s operations and finances are not conducted behind closed doors. Board meetings are open to the public, agendas are posted, financial reports are provided as part of board meetings, and the organization is subject to Washington’s public-records and open-meetings requirements as well as yearly review by the State Auditor and open for review by the city of Aberdeen. That said, we recognize that information can technically be available and still not be easy for the public to find or understand. We are happy to help point people toward existing restoration information, financial reports, meeting materials, and other public records. We also encourage anyone who is interested in the work of the Seaport or the restoration of Lady Washington to attend our public board meetings, listen to the discussion, and stay engaged with the process. We welcome questions and public interest in Lady Washington. What we ask is that concerns and criticism be based on accurate information and on the public record. People who care about Lady Washington deserve facts, and they deserve the opportunity to ask questions. We welcome that involvement. What we ask in return is that the conversation remain grounded in accurate information. There is a significant difference between asking legitimate questions about the restoration and asserting that there has been negligence or misconduct. Everyone involved ultimately wants the same thing: to see Lady Washington preserved, restored and sailing again.”
Douglas Orr
Aberdeen City Mayor

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Petition created on October 12, 2026