Olympia Historical Society & Bigelow House Museum

06/17/2026

There are still spots left in our career exploration day for high school students, June 25 from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. We'll visit the Olympia Arts and Heritage Alliance Museum, the Washington State Archives, and the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation for behind-the-scenes tours and Q&A with staff. Free of charge; lunch from Meconi's included. Email [email protected] to register.

06/14/2026

Looking Back’s theme for 2026 is Downtown by the Decades. Thurston County has had four purpose-built county courthouses over the years. The courthouse at 1110 Capitol Way S was its third, erected in 1930. Its art moderne design was by prominent Olympia architect Joseph Wohleb. The building still exists and now houses several businesses and agencies, including the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. Image selected and captioned by Deborah Ross on behalf of the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum, https://olympiahistory.org. Unknown photographer, about 1930, Washington State Archives

06/12/2026

Is there any way other than fencing to keep evil four legged beasts from eating all of your roses? 😭 As soon as rain washes off the deer repellent, they pounce.

06/12/2026

Did you know you can rent this beautiful dance studio at the Abigail Stuart House?

Dance where history meets community.

Located inside the Abigail Stuart House, our upstairs dance studio offers a unique setting for movement, creativity, and wellness.

Whether you're teaching ballet, hosting a yoga class, leading a workshop, or gathering a small group, this versatile space is ready for you.

Available for hourly and recurring rentals.


Book a tour to check out the dance studio. More information and scheduling a tour is available at: https://www.theabigailstuarthouse.com/

06/11/2026

More proof that I was born too late and missed everything fun. Roosevelt Elementary School, 1964. Susan Parish Collection, Washington State Archives.

06/07/2026

Looking Back’s theme for 2026 is Downtown by the Decades. On a frigid day in January 1937, the imposing Odd Fellows Hall, at the southwest corner of Capitol Way and 5th Avenue, burned down. Firefighters bravely battled the fire; icicles hanging from power lines dramatically illustrate the challenge due to the freezing weather. Image selected and captioned by Deborah Ross on behalf of the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum, https://olympiahistory.org.

06/04/2026

Join us for the dedication of Həʔapus sqʷəbay (Ha-push Squay-bay), Mother of Restoration, a new Welcome Figure created by Squaxin Tribal artist/carver Andrea Wilbur-Sigo.

Carved from cedar and featuring salmon, kelp, and a child carried on her back, this monumental Coast Salish Welcome Figure honors restoration, cultural connection, and the enduring presence of the Squaxin people on their ancestral lands.

Thursday, June 4, 2026
4:30 PM
Isthmus Park, Olympia (east end of the Olympia/Yashiro Friendship Bridge)

Presented by Andrea Wilbur-Sigo, the Squaxin Island Tribe, and the City of Olympia, this dedication celebrates a shared commitment to public art, cultural exchange, and community.

All are welcome. Rain or shine. ✨

Read full details here: https://mailchi.mp/olympiawa.gov/welcome-figure-dedication?e=3e0b266bdc

Alt text: A woodcarver works intently in a workshop, using a chisel and mallet to shape a large cedar log. Wood carving tools rest on the partially carved surface, while shelves of tools and equipment fill the background. Wood shavings dust the artist's clothing and the work area, highlighting the hands-on process of creating a monumental carving.

05/31/2026

Looking Back’s theme for 2026 is Downtown by the Decades. In the 1930s, when many households still did not have transportation readily available, public libraries visited rural areas with the Thurston County Library Service’s Bookmobile. The trailer is parked in front of the Carnegie Library (the original site of the Olympia Public Library, 620 Franklin SE) in this photo from the 1930s. Image selected and captioned by Deborah Ross on behalf of the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum, https://olympiahistory.org. Unidentified photographer, 1930s, Courtesy Washington State Historical Society

05/31/2026

Thanks to everyone who joined us yesterday for Roosevelt Elementary School's History Night. It was a thrill to see so many current and former students, staff, and community members show up to share memories of the school and explore the PTA archives going back to the early 1900s.

05/29/2026

I'm looking forward to showing some images of Roosevelt Elementary through the years at the school's History Night tomorrow. Doors at 6:15, program at 6:30. (This is a 1935 Vibert Jeffers photo from the Washington State Archives)