Submitted by Thurston County
OLYMPIA – Historic preservation programs in Thurston County have been given a boost, thanks to grants authorized today by the Board of County Commissioners. Funding for the grants comes under an enactment from the 2005 legislature that sets aside $1 from each $5 historic document recording fee collected by the county auditor. The grant program is managed by the Thurston County Historic Commission who reviews and recommends funding in compliance with guidelines established
by the Commissioners. The Board of County Commissioners approved the six top-ranked grant applications, as recommended by the Historic Commission. Commissioners also approved an additional grant which will fund the bathroom addition to the historic Triad Theater in Yelm.
The Thurston County Historic Commission received and ranked eleven applications. Seven grant applications were awarded grant funding for 2013 as listed below –
● Olympia Downtown Association – Olympia Heritage Corridor, Phase II – install interpretive signage along street corridors in Olympia. $4,200
● Bigelow House Preservation Association – Bigelow House – design and produce a historic marker at the Bigelow House. $5,000
● Tumwater Historical Association – Acquisition of additional equipment for presentations interpreting Thurston County history. $5000
● Gate Community Club – Gate School – painting and restoration of the exterior of the historic Gate School. $5,000
● WA State Historical Society – Folk Arts of Thurston County – 2013 traveling panel exhibit “Working with Tradition: Folk Artists of Washington State”. $5,000
● Olympia Film Society – Capitol Theater – preserve and protect stained glass muses and iron ports on the Capitol Theater. $5,000
● Triad Theater – Bathroom Addition – construct a second bathroom facility in the Triad Theater. $4,975
