Olympia’s history and living legacies are tended to by the Olympia Heritage Commission (Commission). The people, buildings and events of long ago and recent history make Olympia and the surrounding area an amazing place to live or visit. The volunteer group advises the City Council on matters of historic preservation in connection to the use, recognition, and enhancement of buildings, sites, districts, and objects of significance within the city. Much has happened since Olympia was named the capital of the Washington Territory in 1853, when it separated from the upper regions of Oregon. Nestled on the edge of Puget Sound, Olympia has served as the capital ever since. You can dive into Olympia’s notable past in numerous ways.
The Commission has been in the news lately, involved with the long-term fate of the KGY building situated over the water of Budd Inlet. Its distinctive mid-century look is iconic to many Olympians and holds a special place in the area’s history. It has been nominated for inclusion on the Olympia Heritage Register, which has created controversy. Discussions with the City, the Port, KGY and the Commission are underway.
The Commission is made up of an eclectic group including historians, writers, downtown workers, anthropologists, people involved with the arts and nonprofit organizations. “It’s a colorful group of people,” say member Audrey Henley, executive director of the Olympia Film Society and co-owner of Revival Motors & Coffee Co. The Olympia Heritage Commission meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. in the Olympia City Hall in room 207.
What Does the Olympia Heritage Commission do?
The Olympia Heritage Commission’s five core strategies are:
- Educate and inspire
- Preserve and promote
- Partner and collaborate
- Integrate Preservation Best Practices in Good Government
- Review and permitting
The range of work is extensive. They plan events like LoveOly that takes place each summer downtown. The ARCH Speaker Series will work in collaboration with the Arts Commission to explore issues of equity in arts and heritage. There is support for historic homeowners to understand special tax valuations and various restrictions. People can receive advice and suggestions about getting on the historic register.
Preservation of an Era of Olympia Music History
A current project, funded with grants, is called Olympia Music History, which is working to capture community memories of the Olympia music scene circa 1980-2002. The town was a nexus of punk and indie-rock music. There was an influx of new bands and music enthusiasts spread the word. Community involvement was deep from members like Evergreen’s KAOS radio station, KGY, magazine writers and many others.
Olympia had a record label called Kill Rock Stars in 1993.
Did you know the Capitol Theater hosted the Yoyo A Go Go festival four times and the Pop Underground Convention in 1991? Olympia was the center of the Riot Grrrl movement, which combines feminism, punk rock and politics. You’ve certainly heard of Sleater-Kinney? Not the street, but the band. The theater has a wall of playbills and posters that are being preserved. A visit backstage at the theater is a walk-through time. This project will prevent these tangible reminders of another time from disappearing.
Fun and Fact Filled Olympia Historical Walking Tours
The Olympia Heritage Commission has prepared a set of six historical walking tours. You can take a stroll through history. “When you look at a building, it’s more than what you see!” says Audrey. Colorful anecdotes, inspiring people and surprising events are there, too. You can download any of the six brochures, each one packed with information, historical facts, photographs, and maps. You’ll learn about the early inhabitants, but if mid-century is more your taste, there’s a tour especially for you. Our domed Capitol building, completed in 1928, is worth a look inside. It is open to the public every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. There are guides based on availability, but you can do a self-guided one. Did you know Kurt Cobain lived in Olympia between 1989 and 1991 at 114 Pear Street NE?
- Downtown Historic District
- Eastside Neighborhood
- Mid-Century Olympia
- Olympia Avenue Historic District
- South Capitol Neighborhood
- Southeast Neighborhood
It’s easy to overlook or simply be unaware of the variety people and events that are woven into the fabric of Olympia’s past. “There’s so much beautiful history,” reminds Audrey. She would love to have you attend an event, take a walk, enter a building and breath in some of our home-grown, local history. I like knowing that this area has been a fertile ground for writers, artists, and musicians and businesspeople. You are a part of history that is in the making now.
Learn more on the Olympia Heritage Commission website.
