OHS & BHM Gerry L. Alexander Award for Outstanding Achievement in Heritage

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2025 Awards

Awarded to: Olympia Trials Legacy Committee for 40th Anniversary of the Inaugural U.S. Women’s Olympic Marathon Trials

On May 12, 1984, individuals, organizations, and institutions in greater Olympia joined to host the inaugural U.S. Women’s Olympic Marathon Trials. On that day, Olympia shined in the global spotlight as the venue for this milestone sports event in Olympic and women’s histories.

This award honors the Olympia Trial Legacy Committee for their outstanding work in May 2024 to plan and host the 40^th Anniversary of the 1984 Olympic Women’s Marathon Trials in Olympia. The committee is also praised for their foresight “to commemorate the First-Ever U.S. Women’s Olympic Marathon Trials in a way that fosters ongoing community awareness.”

Awarded to: Chris and Denise Keegan For Stewardship of the Alden Hatch Steele House

Constructed in 1869, the Italianate Style home served as residence of prominent Washington territorial-era physician Alden Hatch Steele. In addition to his medical practice, Steele played a significant role in early Olympia’s civic, business, education, and religious life.

Chris and Denise Keegan are honored for rescuing the building from demolition followed by a restoration that preserved original materials and architectural features. Their stewardship includes providing attractive and affordable housing. The Steele House is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and the Olympia Heritage Register.

Casey Keegan accepts the award on behalf of her parents Chris & Denise Keegan

Awarded to:
Todd Monohon for Historic Rehabilitation of the Olympia Press Building & James Martin Warehouse

Located in the Olympia Downtown Historic District, the Olympia Press building (1930) and the adjoining James Martin Warehouse (1922) were designed by prominent Olympia architect Joseph Wohleb. Once joined, the complex served for decades as the office, printing plant, and warehouse for the historically significant Daily Olympian newspaper.

This award honors the creative energy of local entrepreneur Todd Monohon and architect Thomas Architecture Studios to revitalize this downtown corner with small-scale retail and pedestrian activity while preserving Wohleb’s design for The Daily Olympian’s office & printing press. Taking advantage of the warm tones of exposed wood trusses, textures of board-formed concrete, and shine of high polish floors, the interior spaces of the press building are sophisticated and modern yet maintain close ties to the city’s history.

Todd Monohon accepts his award.

Awarded to: The Olympia Film Society for “A Century of Film, Music, and Art at the Capitol Theater”

This award honors and celebrates 100 years of the Capitol Theater as the center of Olympia’s arts and entertainment life and history. Opening to great fanfare on October 7, 1924, the building was built by local theater owner E.A. Zabel and designed by prominent Olympia architect Joseph Wohleb in the Beaux Arts style.

Since formation in 1980, the Olympia Film Society (OFS) has played a major role in the programming and operation of the Capitol Theater. With their mission “To present film, music, and art that engages our community, encourages volunteerism and ensures preservation of the Capitol Theater,” the OFS is honored for their stewardship of the building’s historic character and celebrating it as a beloved place to experience Olympia’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene.

Executive Director Audrey Henley accepts the award on behalf of the Olympia Film Society

Awarded to: Olympia Branch American Association of University Women
for 100 Years of Community Service

On January 18, 1925, 50 women met to establish the Olympia Branch of the American Association of University Women, a nationwide organization created to empower women and girls to achieve educational goals, to end injustice, and create a more equitable world. For 100 years members of the Olympia Branch have engaged with the community on educational, social, economic, and political issues as they affect women of all ages.

Pat Barber accepts the award on behalf of the AAUW

Awarded to: St. John | San Juan Episcopal Church.

Rev. Janet Wagoner and Bob Leroy accept the award on behalf of St. John | San Juan Episcopal Church.

Awarded to: Ralph Davies Munro
for Exemplary Public Service and Leadership on behalf of Heritage Resources

This award honors and celebrates the life and career of Ralph Munro, Washington Secretary of State from 1980 to 2001. A good friend to Daniel S. and Mary Ann Campbell Bigelow, he championed preservation of the Bigelow House and permanently secured the cultural site of the Steh Chass people found on Mud Bay in Eld Inlet. Throughout his career in public service, Ralph continually made history himself in his drive to protect and preserve cultural, historic, and natural resources of Olympia, the Salish Sea, and the Northwest.

Former Washington Secretary of State (1980 to 2021) Ralph Munro accepts his award.

2025 OHS & BHM Volunteer of the Year Award

Awarded to: Caitlin Patterson

Volunteer Caitlin Patterson receives a gift certificate from OHS & BHM President Greg Griffith.

2024 Awards

Toy Kay

With only an 8^th grade education, Toy Kay drew upon her inner-strength and keen intelligence to re-invent her life after 33 years as a waitress at Olympia’s Kay’s Café. Raised in Montana by her Chinese parents, the arc of Toy’s 99-year lifetime spans from a pre-arranged marriage at age 16 through a sometimes-difficult journey in post- World War II America. A degree from Evergreen State College instilled confidence that paved her way to become a civic leader in women’s rights, the arts, education, and more. Toy has been a major force in the Zonta Club and she mentored southeast Asian refugees. Always proud of her Chinese heritage, she founded the Olympia Chinese Community Association to sustain that history and culture.

Senior Services for South Sound

In 2023, this non-profit organization celebrated 50 years of providing low or no-cost services for South Sound senior citizens. Through the decades, SSSS has provided thousands of free meals, transportation, recreation, and camaraderie to their guests at senior centers in Lacey, Mason County, and downtown Olympia

Olympia’s Hidden Histories Walking Tours

In 2022 and 2023, Evergreen State College students and faculty conducted extensive research into Olympia history to produce six on-line walking tours that focus on downtown Olympia and its waterfront. Accessible from any laptop, smartphone, or iPad, these tours explore local histories and make them available to the public. Each tour is also visually engaging through maps, photos, and video clips.

Lincoln Elementary School

Over the past year, Lincoln Elementary School and Options program celebrated the school building’s centennial. Designed by prominent Olympia architect Joseph Wohleb, the building was threatened with demolition in the 1990s, but was saved from the wrecking ball as a result of advocacy by parents, students, and teachers. At the presentation, Lincoln School Principal Marcela Abadi gave Gerry Alexander a T- shirt created by students especially for the school’s centennial.

Avanti High School (formerly Washington Elementary School)

Avanti High School was designed in the 1920s by Joseph Wohleb in his signature Spanish Colonial Revival style. Recently, Avanti benefitted from a $13 million rehabilitation project that preserved the building’s historic character while transforming the inside to a 21st Century learning campus.

Special Achievement: Gerry Alexander

The Special Achievement award was made to Gerry Alexander for his long-time involvement with the Olympia Historical Society & Bigelow House Museum as well as local and statewide historic preservation efforts. As well as his passion for history and historic preservation, Alexander is noted for his term as Washington State Supreme Court Justice and following as Supreme Court Chief Justice, serving in that position from 2001 until retiring in 2010.