About 500 people, including 200 children from local elementary schools, gathered to celebrate the official launch of the Apostle Islands quarter at a ceremony at Legendary Waters Resort and Casino.

The event featured the presentation of two of the first quarters produced - one from each of the U.S. Mint's plants, in Denver and Philadelphia. Each student received a free coin, and local residents and coincollectors had an opportunity to obtain rolls of the new quarters.

Local officials are hoping for long-lasting national exposure for the Apostle Islands with the release of the quarter. It's the 42nd national site to be featured on the reverse side of quarters since 2010 as part ofthe "America the Beautiful" series.

"This is an exciting day for all of Wisconsin, especially the Ashland and Bayfield county area," former Bayfield Mayor Larry McDonald declared.

The program commemorates one prominent national site - such as a park, forest, lakeshore or monument - from each of the 56 U.S. states and territories. The quarters are released at a rate of five a year, with the seriesset to conclude in 2021.

Henry Buffalo, a Red Cliff elder, spoke about the importance of the islands to the Anishinaabe people, who first inhabited the land centuries ago.

He said the Red Cliff and Bad River bands were instrumental in obtaining federal protection for the Apostle Islands, while also advocating to maintain their tribal lands and their hunting and fishing rights. It was in1970 that President Richard Nixon signed legislation establishing the national lakeshore.

Marc Landry, acting associate director of the mint's Numismatic and Bullion Directorate, said the Apostle Islands are one of only two lakeshores featured in the America the Beautiful series.

He said the quarter conveys the "splendor, beauty and purpose" of the Apostle Islands, and predicted that it would inspire "millions" of Americans to research the lakeshore.

"Just as the guiding light beacons from the Devils Island lighthouse - as it has done for decades - the Apostle Islands quarter will serve as a shining example of the inherent value of Apostle Islands NationalLakeshore, and the people who protect it and frequent it," Landry told the crowd.

To read the complete article, see:
Apostle Islands quarter released(https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/business/tourism/4430494-apostle-islands-quarter-released)

To watch the complete video, see:
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (2018)(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2KLA0Rv8jc&index=1&list=PLoycqRjxZI6Y5A9igJnCtTuDMZhVoyM_9&t=0s)