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.

On Saturday, 10.26.24 the Thurston County Historic Commission (TCHC) and the Thurston County Board of Commissioners (BoCC) hosted the annual Heritage Day at the historic Heritage Hall at the county fairgrounds. Eight county heritage organizations, including the Olympia Historical Society & Bigelow House Museum (OHS & BHM), staffed displays and gave updates on their activities. The highlights of the event included the annual TCHC heritage award to Former Supreme Court Chief Justice and former president of the OHS & BHM board Gerry Alexander and excellent presentations by author and educator Dr. Thelma Jackson, and historian and author Sandy Crowell. TCHC and OHS & BHM board member Charlie Roe presented the award to his long-time friend and colleague Gerry Alexander. Pictured here are Charlie together with TC commissioner Gary Edwards presenting the award to Alexander; followed by his accepting remarks. Also speaking was former Director of the WA State Historical Society David Nicandri who reflected on Alexander’s contributions to the state’s legal history and historic preservation. Historical presentations were given by Dr. Jackson sharing her insights into the experience of Black Americans in Thurston County’s history, and Sandy Crowell previewing her new book about Chehalis Tribal activist Helene Miller. OHS & BHM expresses our thanks to the TCHC, staff members Sonja and Dana, and the BoCC for their annual Heritage Grant program and the funding that have enabled the preservation and rehabilitation of the Bigelow House Museum.

Society News

Looking Back

Chinatown – 11/3/24

Looking Back’s theme for 2024 is Many Streams, celebrating our rich and diverse history. Chinese Americans have a long history…

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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

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