Heritage Day

On July 29, three of Tumwater’s most beautiful historic homes will open to the public concurrently as part of Heritage Day, a free, fun-filled family event.

Constructed in 1905, Henderson House is the former home of an Olympia brewery brewmaster. Thanks to City of Tumwater’s preservation work this historic Tumwater home now looks much as it did back in 1905. A quilt show, organized by the Tumwater Historical Association Homestead Quilters, will be on display inside the home. A hands-on quilt activity will be available.

The historic Crosby House, built circa 1860, will also be open to the public. This beautiful home, built by the grandparents of Bing Crosby, showcases interesting architecture combining Greek Revival and Gothic Revival elements. The Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington will provide tours of the Crosby House interior and retired teacher Anne Kelleher will demonstrate rag rug weaving techniques.

At the Schmidt House, built in 1904 for Olympia Brewing Company founder Leopold Schmidt, a sidewalk chalk art activity will be available for kids of all ages. Event organizers will provide chalk so budding artists can work to their hearts’ content on the many paved sidewalks in the Schmidt House front yard. Staff will provide tours of the home’s interior. The Centennial Rose Garden, managed by the Olympia Rose Society, will also be open for visitors.

The Tumwater Register of Historic Places recognizes all three homes as Historic Places, as does the National Register of Historic Places.