Welcome to the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum

Join us in exploring, preserving and promoting Olympia’s history. We are a non-profit membership-based organization presenting the stories from our past to enrich the present and inform the future of Olympia. The Bigelow House Museum, owned and operated by the Society and Museum, is the oldest residence in Olympia, Washington, and one of the earliest still standing in the Pacific Northwest.

Our Mission:  The Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum preserves and shares the history and heritage of Olympia and the Bigelow House in a way that recognizes and values the diversity and rich cultures that gave rise to our community, is inclusive of all persons and perspectives, and informs and engages community members and visitors.

OHS & BHM CELEBRATES AMERICA 250 AT MAY 16TH EVENT

On Saturday May 16th, the Olympia Historical Society & Bigelow House Museum celebrated the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a festive fundraising event at the historic Lord Mansion. Nearly 100 guests filled the mansion while enjoying live music, delicious food and beverages, Dwight Moody’s ever popular display of Olympiana, a narrated tour of the mansion, displays from 5 local heritage organizations, and rousing talks by Olympia Mayor Pro-tem Huyhn and former Mayor Cheryl Selby. The center of action was the silent auction of nearly 70 works of art, decorative items, experiences, overnight stays and much more. Proceeds from ticket sales and the silent auction are critical to sustain the society’s annual menu of programs and tour offerings and ongoing maintenance/restoration at the Bigelow House Museum. We appreciate our event sponsors: Drees. Abbe Mondau of Home and Gardens Real Estate services, The Marie Bed & Breakfast, Olympia Federal Savings, Navigate Financial Advisors, Olympic Property & Landlord Services, and NW Paint & Supply. We highly recommend your support of these locally owned and grown businesses with your patronage.

Historical Research Tools & Information

We have everything from photos and resident data to interactive maps to help you find the information you are looking for. Click on some of the more commonly used historical tools below or use the navigation at the top of the page to see all of categories.

Find out more about the people and places that have shaped our history

Looking Back feature in the Sunday Olympian

We have created interactive maps that will allow you to find out more information about important historic and heritage locations over time.

Resources to help you do your own research