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.

We welcome you to read our Vision Statement and Statement of Values. 

The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound is once again sponsoring their annual Give Local campaign. Benefiting non-profit organizations in Lewis, Mason, and Thurston Counties, Give Local has become a critically important opportunity to help sustain non-profit organizations, including the Olympia Historical Society & Bigelow House Museum (OHS & BHM). Like our colleagues in the non-profit sector, OHS & BHM depends upon the generosity of our members and civic-minded members of our community so that we can continue our local heritage programing and operation of the Bigelow House Museum.

The 2026 Give Local campaign ends on November 20. As we enter the second and final week of the campaign, please consider a donation to OHS & BHM so that we can continue, even expand, our work as the historical society for Washington’s capital city. Giving is easy and secure. Simply go to: https://www.spsgives.org/organization/Olympia-History and click on “Donate” to make your donation. Any dollar amount you give is greatly appreciated and demonstrates that you value our rich local history and the need to preserve it for future generations. In advance, thank you so much for your contribution, and we look forward to seeing you at the Bigelow House Museum!

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