Transcriptions

This is a list of full text transcripts that reside on our site. Others may also be linked on our Bibliography page

You can use our Search function in the menu bar at the top of this page to search for types of articles, for example, memoirs, histories, heritage buildings, as well as searching for key terms, subjects, tags, and author names.

New exhibit “Our Town” opening at the Washington Center for Performing Arts on Monday January 23rd
Anyone with an interest in local history and the visual arts will look forward to viewing the new exhibit “Our Town” opening at the Washington Center for Performing Arts on Monday January 23rd. The exhibit has been designed and produced by the Olympia Arts & Heritage Alliance (AHA) which is also host for the opening…
January 9, 2023
It’s Time to Join or Renew Your Membership!
Yes, December marks the best time of year to join or to renew your membership with the Olympia Historical Society-Bigelow House Museum. You can mail-in your membership form and check for 2023. Or, if more convenient, you can pay on-line with your credit card or PayPal from the homepage by clicking on The Society &…
December 1, 2022
Water, Woods, & Prairies, Perfect for Holiday Gift Giving
Looking for the perfect gift for family, friends, or…yourself? The popular history book Thurston County: Water, Woods & Prairies will delight anyone on your shopping list. Reprinted earlier this year with a new introduction, dedication, and updated text, a limited number of copies are still available to purchase by mail order from the Olympia Historical…
November 3, 2022

Ike Ellis – 2/5/23
Throughout 2023 we’ll be exploring the origins of area place names. Ellis Cove in Squaxin Park is named for Isaac “Ike” Ellis, pictured here. Ellis was a logger, racetrack developer, and mayor of Olympia in territorial days. Photograph selected and captioned by Deborah Ross on behalf of the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum,…
February 5, 2023
Women’s Marathon Trials – 1/29/23
Throughout 2023 we’ll be exploring the origins of area place names. In 1970, a park was created on Capitol Lake’s western shore by placing fill material next to an existing railroad berm in the north basin of the lake. The park earned its current name, Marathon Park, when the City of Olympia won the right…
January 29, 2023
Kinney family – 1/22/23
Throughout 2023 we’ll be exploring the origins of area place names. Pictured here is the Kinney family of South Bay, one of the two families for which Sleater-Kinney Road was named (contrary to what some may believe, the street name came before the band!) The family consisted of Henry and his wife Martha, and children…
January 22, 2023