The Clallam County Historical Society will celebrate the grand opening of its new exhibit, “U.S. Coast Guard — An Era of History and Heroism,” at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at the Museum at the Carnegie, 207 S. Lincoln St., Port Angeles.

Port Angeles Mayor Dan DiGuilio and Clallam County Commissioner Jim McEntire will be on hand as well as the American Legion Freedom Riders and the Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors.

The Coast Guard has kept a vigilant watch over the waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca for over 160 years. In 1865, the Revenue Cutter Lincoln was the first to make Port Angeles a permanent home.

Since that time, there has been an unbroken Coast Guard presence in Port Angeles and throughout Clallam County. Air Station Port Angeles is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year and the west end of the county is served by Station Neah Bay and Station Quillayute River.

BM1 Michael Jenkins, USCG STA Port Angeles, proposed and developed the exhibit in conjunction with the historical society. The exhibit features the Coast Guard’s presence and stories in Clallam County from 1865 through today.

Jenkins hopes that when residents and visitors look at Ediz Hook, they will think about the Coast Guard and the important role it plays in the community.

While it is the smallest branch of the armed forces, the modern day Coast Guard is the culmination of a maritime tradition rooted in enforcing laws, saving lives, defending the nation, maintaining aids to navigation and protecting the environment.

For more information, call the society’s office at 452-2662 or send an e-mail to artifact@olypen.com.