We are excited to reveal this year’s conference logo! Each year, we create a new logo that honors the unique place-based qualities of our conference host. With PLACES 2025 hosted in Gig Harbor, we drew inspiration from four iconic symbols of the region.

What do these four symbols represent? We’d love to tell you… 

🎣🛥️ The fishing boat symbolizes Gig Harbor’s fishing traditions. The Puyallup Tribe were the first people to fish in this area; the Swiftwater band’s original village site (located near the present-day Harbor History Museum) was where they lived, hunted, and fished. Non-native commercial fishing, particularly salmon fishing, began in the early 1900s, and is a significant economic and cultural aspect of the community today. You’ll be able to experience this history during the conference, as two of our classroom session venues are directly related to Gig Harbor’s fishing boats: a historic netshed and the Gig Harbor Boat House!

💡 In addition to all the illuminating ideas that are sure to come out of this year’s sessions, the light bulb also represents the Gig Harbor Waterfront Alliance’s (GHWA) ongoing lighting project! In partnership with Peninsula Lighting Co., GHWA has distributed $6,000 in funding across the downtown district to improve lighting for Main Street businesses, residents, and visitors. This lighting project is slated to be done in time for PLACES 2025!

🐙 The octopus is, of course, a nod to Gig Harbor’s proximity to the Puget Sound. But it is also a nod to the mythic giant octopus that lives below the nearby Tacoma Narrows Bridge. For generations, local legend has claimed that a 600-pound giant octopus lurks in the depths, tackling divers who come near its territory. Affectionately nicknamed King Octopus, this mythic giant octopus was once voted #10 on a list of the 11 Wonders of Tacoma! 

Located at the entrance to the harbor itself, the first Gig Harbor Lighthouse was built in 1918 and was later replaced in 1988. Both iterations feature a singular flashing light to help commercial fishermen navigate the bay’s entrance safely. Make sure you check it out while you’re in town!

Learn More About PLACES

Excited to Register for PLACES 2025?

Us, too! Due to new legislation passed by Washington State (SB 5814), we are currently navigating how sales tax will affect our ticket prices and options. Once we’ve figured that out, we’ll be opening registration. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, explore our lodging options and learn more about this year’s program offerings. And mark your calendars! The Opening Plenary will be hosted the morning of Wednesday, October 8. Bring coffee and get ready to dive right in ☕.

For more information on PLACES 2025 and our host city, Gig Harbor, be sure to explore our conference webpage. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

PLACES is Washington’s annual statewide conference focused on the continued care of place through historic preservation, placemaking, and economic vitality, brought to you by the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation and the Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation.