Do all roads lead to Tumwater? Some of the most important in Washington’s history certainly do. Former state historical society director Dave Nicandri will share the story of the original Cowlitz Trail, the route that brought the Simmons-Bush emigrant party to the falls of the Deschutes River and its surroundings. This epic 19th-century journey will […]
Join us for a free guided tour of the historic Schmidt House, built in 1904 for Leopold Schmidt and his family. Explore all four levels of this remarkable home with a knowledgeable guide. Please note that while the first floor is ADA accessible, accessing the upper levels requires climbing stairs. Tours are held every other […]
Local historian Sandra Crowell shares the powerful life story of Helen Sanders, a Native American woman who confronted the injustices surrounding land ownership and treaty rights. Helen’s journey highlights her deep connection to her heritage, the challenges faced by her family, and the resilience that ultimately led her to become an activist. Through landmark legal […]
Join us each month for a free hour-long talk on social or natural history, each presented by a recognized expert. All talks will be at noon. Doors open at 11:30. First-come, first-seated until we reach capacity. January 8 Talk On Thursday, January 8, local historian and author Steve Lundin will discuss his book, The Friendly […]
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 […]
Join Olympia Tumwater Foundation for the next installment of our Schmidt House History Talk series as Lacey Museum Curator Erin Quinn Valcho reveals the mysterious past of O. C. Lacey. Although not Lacey’s founder, O. C. Lacey has been a mysterious historical figure for more than a century. After rising to prominence in Olympia and […]
Join us at noon on Thursday, April 2, for a fascinating presentation by Dan Varland of Coastal Raptors: “Bald Eagles: An American Icon.” The Bald Eagle is deeply revered by the Indigenous tribes of the Pacific Northwest coast. Frequently featured in dances and ceremonies, eagles are also depicted in drawings, totems, and other forms of […]
Join us for a free Riverwalk Tour led by local tour guide, Don Trosper—offered twice a month from April through September! Each tour begins at 5 pm, departing from the park office at 110 Deschutes Parkway SW in Tumwater. These fun, informative walks are family-friendly and open to all ages, proudly sponsored by the City […]
Join us for a free Riverwalk Tour led by local tour guide, Don Trosper—offered twice a month from April through September! Each tour begins at 5 pm, departing from the park office at 110 Deschutes Parkway SW in Tumwater. These fun, informative walks are family-friendly and open to all ages, proudly sponsored by the City […]
Join us for a free Riverwalk Tour led by local tour guide, Don Trosper—offered twice a month from April through September! Each tour begins at 5 pm, departing from the park office at 110 Deschutes Parkway SW in Tumwater. These fun, informative walks are family-friendly and open to all ages, proudly sponsored by the City […]
Join the Olympia Tumwater Foundation for a special lunchtime history talk on Thursday, May 7 at noon at the beautiful Schmidt House. This engaging presentation launches a month-long celebration of America250 right here in Tumwater. History Talk: The Greatest Breakup Letter in History Thursday, May 7, 2026Noon (doors open at 11:30 am)330 Schmidt Place SW, […]
Join us for a free Riverwalk Tour led by local tour guide, Don Trosper—offered twice a month from April through September! Each tour begins at 5 pm, departing from the park office at 110 Deschutes Parkway SW in Tumwater. These fun, informative walks are family-friendly and open to all ages, proudly sponsored by the City
