Schmidt House History Talk: Fall and Rise of the Orr Home

Join Olympia Tumwater Foundation for the next installment of our Schmidt House History Talk series as historian Dave Welch shares the dramatic and inspiring story of the Nathaniel Orr Home in Steilacoom.

On May 13, 1996, the historic Orr Home was blown off its temporary supports and slid down the slope of its original homesite—a moment that could have meant the end of an important piece of regional history. Instead, it marked the beginning of an extraordinary recovery effort.

This talk explores how dedicated volunteers, passionate advocates, and fundraising from diverse sources came together to restore the home, led in part by the Steilacoom Historical Museum Association. It’s a powerful example of what community commitment can accomplish when history is at stake.

Thursday, February 5
Noon
Schmidt House