New Tour Hours at the Bigelow House Museum–Women’s History Month in March
The Bigelow House Museum is now open all Sundays for tours at 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 pm. In honor of…
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.
May is Annual Historic Preservation Month with this year’s theme “Power of Place.” To celebrate, the Olympia Historical Society & Bigelow House Museum is partnering with the Olympia Arts & Heritage Alliance, and the Olympia Heritage Commission to offer free tours of historic downtown Olympia. The tours are being offered on Saturday May 17, 2025 at 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:00 pm leaving and returning from 203 Columbia Street NW. The one-hour tours will highlight the city’s history and historic buildings and require considerable walking. Each tour is limited to 20 persons. For more information contact: info@olyaha.org or olyhistory@gmail.com
The Bigelow House Museum is now open all Sundays for tours at 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 pm. In honor of…
February 20, 2025. 6 – 8 p.m. Abigail Stuart House 1002 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501 Free. Light refreshments…
The Olympia Historical Society & Bigelow House Museum hosts former WA Secretary of State Sam Reed and author John C. Hughes…
Looking Back’s theme for 2025 features Thurston County area photographers, artists, and their subjects. Charles M. Moore arrived in Washington…
Looking Back’s theme for 2025 features Thurston County area photographers, artists, and their subjects. Charles M. Moore arrived in Washington…
Looking Back’s theme for 2025 features Thurston County area photographers, artists, and their subjects. Pictured here is the studio of…
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
We have created interactive maps that will allow you to find out more information about important historic and heritage locations over time.