Are you ready for a historic adventure?  The Olympia Tumwater Foundation’s “Heritage Builders” program invites you to a free guided walk through history with local historian and Public History Manager, Don Trosper.  The 2016 weekly tours are offered every Thursday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 now through September 15.

You’ll begin at the Falls Park main office by the history panels overlooking the river’s upper falls and the salmon ladders.  You’ll learn about the rich and significant history of the first permanent American community north of the Columbia.  Don will talk about the founders, the early businesses using the water power of the Deschutes River, how the town grew through the decades since 1845, and the history of the Schmidt family and the Olympia Brewing Company;  all centered upon this historic and beautiful river location.

The tours last about an hour and cover roughly a half mile of trail and are limited to 30 people.  The park is at 110 Deschutes Way, located off I-5, Exit 103, Deschutes Way and “C” Street.  Reservations are not required, but for further information or to arrange a special group tour call 360-786-8117 or email history@olytumfoundation.org.  You can also check out our website and the blog to see our three minute Tumwater history videos called “Talking Over Old Times” (www.olytumfoundation.org).  Our thanks to the City of Tumwater for their assistance for these special programs.