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

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2026 Awards

Awarded to: Susan Goff

First up in the 2026 recipients of the society’s Gerry Alexander Award for Outstanding Achievement in Heritage is our own super volunteer Susan Goff, a name and person that I know many of you here today and throughout the heritage community know very well and appreciate.

Susan is being honored for her many years of stewarding and managing our Olympia Historical Society collection. Since 2008, well before the Olympia Historical Society merged with the Bigelow House Preservation Association in 2013, Susan has meticulously managed and cared for each item that comprises the collection.

It is useful to understand that the Olympia Historical Society collection is distinct from the Bigelow House Collection. The Bigelow collection is comprised of all items owned by or closely associated with the Bigelow family’s occupation of the house and property from the mid-19 th century to 2005. In contrast, the Olympia Historical collection has a much broader scope that spans Olympia history and may include items demonstrably tied to local persons, businesses, organizations, places, and events.

Since 2008, when Susan (with the help of her good friend and another icon of our heritage community, Lanny Weaver), loaded up what then comprised the collections into the back seat of Susan’s car and headed off to her residence outside of town. It is important to emphasize that Susan has not stashed these materials in a basement, attic, or storage unit. From 2008, she has managed and cared for the collection to strict professional archival standards. The space is climate controlled for humidity and temperature and light levels moderated to limit damage to the posters, prints, maps, and original art. Everything is handled with gloves and sensitive materials stored in acid-free folders and boxes. Amazingly, Susan has total recall of each item in the collection and can lay her hands on any one of them in a moment’s notice: “Susan, I need a photo of the 4 th Avenue Bridge taken from the west side and before the dam was built.” You will find a digital copy in your inbox in a matter of minutes.

Blessed not only with a sharp memory but a keen sense of history, she knows that she will not be steward of the collection forever. So that future caretakers can search the collection, she enters data for each item into a database for easy retrieval.

A last point to make here is that the collection has grown immensely since 2008 by donations made by anyone, including from many of you here today. Susan is the gatekeeper to the collection and when gifts are offered, she assesses potential donations as to condition, rarity, and connection to local history. Once accepted, she manages the transfer process, meets with donors, executes transfer documents, places it in the appropriate location, and updates the catalogue in her computer.

As we all just heard from Grant, transfer of the collections to Evergreen State College is a major turning point for the collections and for the historical society. It also provides the perfect occasion for the board, for our members, indeed for the entire community, to recognize, honor, and extend our gratitude to Susan and the Goff family, David and Andrea, for being the responsible and generous person, who 18 years ago, stepped forward to give a home for the collection. We also recognize the countless hours, work, and caring so that the heritage of our community will be preserved and available for present and future generations of Olympians. While only a small token of our esteem, please step forward to receive your award.

Awarded to: Zeigler’s Welding

The award for Zeigler’s Welding recognizes and honors the company’s nearly 100 years of providing top quality welding and metal fabrication services to the community. It also celebrates Zeigler’s stewardship of its landmark headquarters building that evokes Olympia’s industrial past.

Going under various names since its founding, the present company traces its roots to 1927, when the four Zeigler brothers, Clarence, Chet (or Chester), Lorenzo, and Frank purchased the building where they started the company: Zeigler’s Welding and Hitch Shop. Each brother already had experience in welding and metal fabrication. But it appears that Lorenzo, or Renzy, was the brother that was most closely associated with the company’s long-term management. In those early decades of the 20 th century, the corner of Main Street (now Capitol Way) and Thurston Avenue was at the entrance to the town’s gritty industrial quarter on the expanding Port Peninsula. The plywood plants, sawmills, boat yards, and others were powered by steam from water heated in huge boilers. Sometimes working 24 hours a day, Zeigler’s catered to the metal-working needs of the city’s industries by fabricating, installing, and maintaining the machinery that fueled the local economy.

As we all know, the industrial port peninsula of the 20 th century has been transformed. The mills, creosote plant, and even Yard Birds are gone and replaced with apartments, the Farmer’s Market, restaurants and more. Yet, our home-grown, locally-owned Ziegler’s Welding has not only survived but thrived with projects here in town, and around the world. Yet, they have maintained, even pro-actively preserved its historic 1910 shop building in downtown Olympia. When asked why the company decided (in 1996) to nominate the shop building to the Olympia and Washington State Heritage Registers, current co-owners Jeff Hilts and Chad Smith replied that then company owner Paul Shoblom, looked out of the office window onto Capitol Way and was struck by how the neighborhood had changed so dramatically. Paul decided it was important to preserve the building and its business as an intact and vital link to the city’s industrial heritage. In hindsight, Paul’s action to preserve the building and business downtown, was prescient when recalling the December 15th, 2021 horrific fire that torched the under construction nearby Market Flats apartment building. We have the alert Olympia Fire Department crew who told Chad that night “We’re not going to let this building burn” by spraying 4200 gallons of water a minute on the roof, knowing full well that inside the building were tanks of oxygen, acetelene, argon, and CO2 that if over-heated would have triggered a disaster of epic proportions.

In closing, this award to Zeigler’s Welding, recognizes the company’s proactive stewardship of preserving the character of this 114-year-old building that represents a different era in the city’s history. And a commitment to keep the business in downtown Olympia. We also honor and recognize you for sustaining the company’s heritage of good, old fashion personal service, customer satisfaction, and quality craftsmanship. Jeff and Chad, please step forward to receive your award.

Awarded to: Olympia Garden Club

I think it is fair to say that there is no one who doesn’t appreciate plants – whether it be those growing things that provide food, or shelter, or enhances the beauty around us or lifts our spirits and touches our souls. And whether or not you, yourself, enjoy digging in the dirt and doing some kind of gardening, you enjoy in many ways the effects and efforts of gardening. The Olympia Garden Club has been in existence for over 100 years. Formed in 1924 by Mr. J.M. Hitt, Head Librarian for the Washington State Library at the time; the club was originally called the Olympia Flower Society and was formed “to organize flower shows including the spring rose show and the fall flower exhibit.” In March of 1938, the Olympia Flower Society joined the Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs as part of the now defunct Capitol District, and in 1945, the Society changed its name to the Olympia Garden Club, which remains to this day.

Starting with 25 members, today it is a growing organization with over 120 women and men who share an avid interest in gardening, landscape design, civic improvement, the study of horticulture, conservation and flower arranging. Quoting their Mission Statement, “Olympia Garden Club provides education, resources, and networking opportunities for its members to promote gardening, floral design, civic and environmental responsibility.” In carrying out that statement, their club projects include such things as educational scholarships and awards to Thurston County teachers, the Thurston County Fair Flower Show, Gold and Blue Star Markers at Squaxin Park, several gardens at Squaxin Park including a Memorial Garden, a national TREX Bench Challenge program, Plant-A-Tree projects, and their traditional Merrie Makings of creating wreaths, centerpieces, and other items during the holidays to name a few. Would the Olympia Garden Club President Tara Keen please come forward. It is my honor to present this Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum 2025 Gerry L. Alexander Certificate of Award to the Olympia Garden Club in recognition of 100 years of community building and service. Congratulations!!

by Ann Olson, OHS & BHM Vice President

Awarded to: Kyle Pittman

The award for Kyle Pittman recognizes and honors his volunteer work for the AskHistorians thread on the Reddit social media platform. In his day job, Kyle is a full-time faculty member at Evergreen State College where he teaches in the Native Pathways Program which is described as spanning subjects “…from creative writing to environmental history and much more, but always through a lens that honors Indigenous knowledge and culture.”

While his teaching for the Native Pathways Program is admirable enough, this award is about honoring Kyle’s voluntary work since 2016 as a “moderator” for the AskHistorians thread, or on-line “public history forum” on the Reddit social media platform. For those of you, like me, who are not familiar with Reddit, it is described as a “collection of diverse communities where users can discuss a wide range of topics, share content, and connect with others. These communities act like forums where users can post questions, share information, and engage in discussions related to that topic.” The AskHistorians thread, community, or “subreddit” as it is called, is one of the largest such communities on the platform with two million subscribers from across the globe. As stated on the home page, AskHistorians “aims to provide serious, academic-level answers to questions about history.” They have posted pages of rules and guidelines that support this aim and maintain the high standard of discussion AskHistorians has become known for.” Of Nez Perce heritage and raised on the Puyallup Reservation, Kyle’s expertise, education, and experience with Indigenous law, governance, and policy, makes him well-qualified to work as the only Native American moderator who often responds to questions touching on Indigenous history and culture in North America and handles moderation issues regarding these topics. Aside from teaching and writing 8 to 10 hours each week for AskHistorians, Kyle also moderates the Indian Country subreddit with 90,000 subscribers and which he describes as an “Indigenous-centric space for people to talk about Native American issues.” Devoting nearly 30 hours each week to AskHistorians and Indian Country, Kyle says “To me, its public service…It takes a lot of work to harness the benefits of an online media platform to have honest intellectual discourse.” He goes on to describe the site as a “controlled environment. We work from a set of values that we believe are good and positive. We embrace diversity, inclusivity, accessibility, speaking truth to power, and conformity to what is factual.”

Allison Campbell, Heritage Outreach Coordinator at the Washington State Historical Society, says “Kyle’s work as a moderator of Reddit’s AskHistorians page puts him on the front lines of public history. He courageously dives into the world’s largest online history forum to correct and deepen people’s understanding of the past…I am personally so grateful for the excellent historians like Kyle, who are willing to dialogue about history with individuals online in a way that is ethical, accountable, and engaging. Kyle, please step forward to accept your award.

Awarded to: The Honorable Karen Fraser

Our last award today goes to former State Senator Karen Fraser for… to know a person who has so many interests, accomplished so much, and endeared herself to friends, colleagues, and a loyal constituency.

Born in Seattle and educated at the University of Washington, Karen’s FORTY-THREE YEARS in elected office speaks volumes about her stellar record in public service. In her first run for office, she was elected as the first woman to serve on the Lacey City Council and subsequently elected as first woman mayor. After a stint as a Thurston County Board of Commission member, Karen went on to the statehouse, being elected twice to the House of Representatives followed by six 4-year terms as State Senator serving the 22 nd Legislative District. Throughout her career, both in public office and in her personal life, Karen has been a strong, consistent, and effective voice for honoring and preserving heritage, the arts, and culture. Her leadership has fostered the creation, sustaining, and expansion of heritage organizations and facilities both locally and across the state beginning with her initiative as Mayor to create the Lacey Museum (that continues to thrive in a newly opened expanded museum space).

Karen has made history herself for her key role in advocating for women’s equality and working to increase the awareness and sharing of women’s role in history. Beginning in the 1970s, she engaged in political action to achieve equality of laws and opportunities for women. This included leadership roles in National Organization for Women, and her initiative to create the Women’s History Consortium at the Washington State Historical Society.

Upon her retirement from public office in 2017, Karen remains involved in the non-profit sector in support of organizations and initiatives to which she is deeply committed. A few examples are serving on the boards of Evergreen State College, the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, the South Sound Maritime Heritage Association, and the Olympia Arts & Heritage Alliance. And if you were at our Awards Ceremony last year, you may remember we honored the Olympia Trials Legacy Committee for their work to plan and organize the 40 th anniversary commemoration of the community hosting the first Olympic Women’s Marathon Trial in 1984. Well, not only did Karen serve on that committee, but 40 years earlier she actually served on the Executive Board of the Trials management organization that brought and organized the trial here in 1984.

Though much more can, and should, be said about Karen, this award is our way of recognizing and thanking her for being a friend and supporter of the heritage community. But also from a broader perspective, we honor Karen for her lifetime commitment to making sure that government and public service is accessible, ethical, equitable, and effective in making right things happen for all people.

Karen, it is an honor to present you with this award.

Volunteer of the Year Awarded to: Melissa and Michael Patrick

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.