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.

Equality Day 2023. The Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum celebrates Equality Day on August 26th, the date in 1920 when the 19th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution was signed into law. Pictured here, volunteers from the Thurston County League of Women Voters show their support for suffrage for all women.

Society News

Looking Back

Lydia Hawk – 9/10/23

Throughout 2023 we’ll be exploring the origins of area place names. Hawks Prairie is named for early Lacey settlers John…

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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

Who Are We? Area Residents 1845 – 1930
Where Are We? Historic & Heritage Sites
Many Voices – A Resource Guide

Looking Back feature in the Sunday Olympian

Looking Back

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

Where Are We? Historic & Heritage Sites
Sanborn Overlays
Sylvester’s Window

Resources to help you do your own research

Resources
Queries