History Programs

History Pubs at Heritage (for ages 21 and over)

NEW HISTORY TALK FORMAT

The Olympia Tumwater Foundation is excited to announce a new format for its popular history talks: History Pubs at Heritage. This new series of in-person history talks will be an hour long on a topic relevant to Tumwater or the surrounding area, and will combine history with science, sports, art, and many other subjects. Hosted inside the cask library of the new Heritage Distilling Co., near the Olympia Brewery. Guests are encouraged to sit back and relax, with a cocktail if they wish, and enjoy learning about our area’s history from captivating speakers. Registrants will receive tokens for discounts on Heritage drinks and merchandise.

A Journey Down the Deschutes, Then and Now

Take a trip from the headwaters of the Deschutes River to the mouth of Budd Inlet. This presentation will highlight historical moments from the time of the receding Vashon Glacier, watershed functions and features, past and present activities from human impacts, how we currently manage water resources within this watershed, and possibilities for the future. Topics will include fish habitat, stream morphology, cultural history, the interface of our built environment, and the wonders of the annual Chinook salmon run. Grant Gilmore is the City of Tumwater’s Water Resource Specialist and faculty at the University of Washington. His work focuses on drinking water, wastewater, storm water, and habitat restoration. Grant is also a leading member for Stream Team, which promotes volunteer and training opportunities for all ages, with a focus on citizen science, within the South Sound region.

Speaker: Grant Gilmore Date: Thursday, Jan. 19 Time: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Location: Heritage Distilling Cask Room & Library / 4200 Capitol Blvd SE Suite 104, Tumwater Ages: 21+ Min/Max: 5/75 Fee: Free

Blacks in Thurston County, WA: 1950 to 1975: A Community Album

Blacks in Thurston County is a collection of 55 short biographies about Black people who came to Thurston County between 1950 and 1975. The book is the result of a 10-year project led by Dr. Thelma Jackson, the executive director of the Northwest Institute for Leadership and Change, which is the book’s publisher. Celebrate Black History Month with us as Dr. Jackson tells how this book got started and why this snapshot in time matters. Dr. Thelma Jackson has spent her personal and professional life challenging the status quo. Whether through teaching, advocating for policy changes related to social justice in all aspects of society, particularly education, or guiding and mentoring people of all ages. Dr. Jackson has been making an impact for more than 50 years to create real change across the community landscape.

Speaker: Dr. Thelma Jackson Date: Thursday, Feb. 16 Time: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Heart Bomb the Historic District

What are heart bombs? They are love letters to historic places that appear at historic sites nationwide, on local landmarks, and around places both safe and threatened. Heart bombing is the act of showering an older or historic place with tangible expressions of affection and devotion—preferably with lots of other place-lovers in tow.

Like spending time at Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls? Or maybe you got married at the Schmidt House, or drove by the Crosby House on the way to play down at

Tumwater Historical Park. Join us as we make Valentine’s Day cards for our favorite Tumwater places! Make one for your favorite building in the historic district, or for your home, your crush, or anyone! All supplies will be provided.

Instructor: Megan Ockerman Date: Monday, Feb. 13 Time: 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Location: Old Town Center Age: 10 and up Min/Max: 5/20 Fee: Free