“‘Come Softly to Me’:  Gretchen Christopher of the Fleetwoods.”   Saturday February 19th at 1:00 p.m. at the Coach House at the State Capital Museum, 211 21st Avenue SW.  Gretchen Christopher of the Fleetwoods will tell the story of this famous group as part of Olympia’s music history.  Ms. Christopher will also have CDs for sale and autographing at the event.

Also coming up in February:

February 14, noon: State Capital Museum ongoing lecture series presents: The Civilian Conservation Corps in Washington State Parks — A Long-Term Investment
This lecture is presented by Ryan Karlson, Interpretive Program Manager, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. The Civilian Conservation Corps played a significant role in the early development of Washington’s state park system. This program will highlight the accomplishments of the CCC and the lasting benefits of their work, including local examples such as Millersylvania State Park. $2 suggested donation

Though not, strictly speaking, a part of Olympia history, OHS friends and members will not want to miss the upcoming exhibit about the Klee Wyk artist cooperative at Tacoma’s Washington State History Museum. Long-time State Capital Museum curator Del McBride was part of this cooperative. On Thursday February 17 from 4 to 6 PM, at the WSHS museum you can meet Del’s brother Bud and his fellow and Klee Wyk partner Richard Schneider to kick off this exhibit.

State Capital Museum: February 21, 1 PM: Special Lecture in honor of President’s Day—
Michael Allen: The Formative Years of Presidents Truman and Reagan

Michael Allen, Professor of History at the University of Washington, Tacoma and Washington State Historical Society’s Board of Directors. Harry Truman and Ronald Reagan rank alongside the two Roosevelts—Theodore and Franklin—as the four most pivotal U.S Presidents of the 29th Century. But Truman and Reagan came from very different background than the two New Yorkers. This talk will discuss the formative Midwestern upbringing of Truman and Reagan, both Mississippi Valley men strongly impacted by the culture of the American heartland. Book signing with Professor Allen to follow program.

The deadline has been extended for nominations for the Washington State Historical Society’s annual awards  recognizing excellence in advancing the field of history in the state of Washington through writing, teaching, historic projects, understanding cultural diversity and voluntarism. Nominations are now due February 24, 2011.

For further information about the awards program, contact Society Awards Committee staff member:

Shanna Stevenson
State Capital Museum and Outreach Center
211 – 21st Avenue SW
Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 360-586-0171
(360) 586-8322 – fax
E-mail: sstevenson@wshs.wa.gov