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.

The historical society of Washington’s capital city
The Olympia Historical Society & Bigelow House Museum is proud to work as conservator of Olympia history and steward of the National Register of Historic Places listed Bigelow House Museum. A good example of OHS & BHM serving in the role as the historical society for Washington’s capital city, is the recent adoption by the Washington State Senate of resolution 8674 commemorating the first convening of the Washington territorial legislature on February 27, 1854, 170 years ago. Initiated by OHS & BHM board members and sponsored by Senator Sam Hunt of Washington’s 22nd Legislative District, the resolution celebrates the significance of that event in the state’s history and Olympia’s role as the territorial capital. Pictured here on the Senate floor on February 27, 2024 are OHS & BHM members and Bigelow family descendants with Sen. Hunt on the dais; Senate staff member and OHS & BHM Treasurer Paul Campos reading SR 8674 into the Senate Record; and Senator Hunt giving remarks and acknowledging the work of OHS & BHM in preserving Olympia history. Appreciation is made to Senator Hunt, his Legislative Aide Meagan Arndt, Bigelow family members, and OHS & BHM board members. 

Society News

Holiday Open House on 12/10

The Olympia Historical Society & Bigelow House Museum invites the community to a Holiday Open House at the Bigelow House Museum at 918 Glass Avenue NE in…

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Looking Back

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