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Tag: Archives Month

Archives Month celebrates 125 years of WA as a state!

Archives Month celebrates 125 years of WA as a state!

(Image courtesy of Washington State Archives) With the 125th anniversary of Washington reaching statehood just weeks away, our State Archives is getting into a festive mood by using the big birthday celebration as its Archives Month theme – “125 Years of Making History” — this year. “It’s just a natural to tie in Archives Month to Washington’s 125th birthday as a state,” said State Archivist Steve Excell. “Washington has experienced so many historic moments and achievements since 1889, and the…

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Now hear this! It’s Archives Month!

Now hear this! It’s Archives Month!

If you think that the Washington State Archives is only focused on maintaining and preserving paper records and collections, think again. The Archives also has a growing collection of audio recordings going back decades and relating to Washington’s state and local government. In fact, these audio recordings are the focal point of a month-long celebration.  This marks the seventh straight year that the State Archives is celebrating Archives Month throughout October in Washington. This year’s theme is “Hearing History,” and…

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Archives Month is here!

Archives Month is here!

If you’re into horse thievery, prison mug shots, bootlegging and finding out more about Washington’s rich and interesting history, this month is for you. For the sixth straight year, the State Archives is celebrating Archives Month throughout October in Washington. This year’s official theme is, “LAW & ORDER IN THE ARCHIVES: Crooks, Cops and Courts.” There’s a cool new Archives Month poster that ties in with this year’s theme. The posters are available for pickup, thanks to a grant from…

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Fairs and Festivals: Ritzville Rodeo

Fairs and Festivals: Ritzville Rodeo

(Photo courtesy of Eastern Regional Archives) As we blogged earlier, we are celebrating Washington Archives Month in October in our state. This year’s theme is Fairs and Festivals. In keeping with the theme, this photo features trick riders at the Ritzville Rodeo in 1920. Check out the link to the Archives Month website, where you can learn about workshops and other free events related to the State Archives throughout October, plus access to this year’s Archives Month poster. If you…

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Washington at Play: Snow!

Washington at Play: Snow!

Washington is blessed (is that the right word?!) with dramatic season changes … which includes an often snow-kissed winter. And while we don’t like having to drive in snow, do we ever love playing in it! So get your skis and snowboards ready … soon we’ll be heading up to the passes. October is Archives Month, and we’re celebrating how Washington has played and still plays.

Washington At Play: Baseball!

Washington At Play: Baseball!

Hey batter, batter! These strapping Chimacum High youngsters from the 1930s show baseball’s always been in choice diversion in Washington. Why not take the ol’ bat and mitt out to a nearby field to get your baseball fix? Many local parks have baseball diamonds and you can play for free. Go to your county Web site and search for spots you can play catch. October is Archives Month, which puts the spotlight on how Washingtonians have played and still play. The State Archives is full of…

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Washington At Play: Costumes!

Washington At Play: Costumes!

Wow. So I’m loving the helmets. Washingtonians really like, as you can see from this picture from 1936, a good excuse to dress up. In this case it’s for Leif Erikson Day. (I myself have been meaning to pick up a shield for this very occasion.) Those of you with Scandanivian roots may be interested in some geneological resources  specific to your search. Those who are still looking for ideas for Halloween costumes, see below. October is Archives Month, and we’re taking a…

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Washington At Play: Marbles!

Washington At Play: Marbles!

Marbles?! YES! I always wanted to learn how to play those. Sadly, marbles aren’t exactly hot in an era of sophisticated online games. Still, you may be thrilled to find out that there is still a group of dedicated marble sharks who compete each year. Perhaps we can get a Washington representative at nationals this year? Anyone? Why so much talk about fun and games? Because it’s Archives Month, and we’re celebrating how Washington has entertained itself all these years.  State Archives…

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Washington At Play: Log Cutting!

Washington At Play: Log Cutting!

Okay, okay, I know what you’re thinking. Log-cutting? Really? Is this how I’m supposed to spend my day off? Well believe it or not, back in the day, log-cutting contests like the one pictured below provided folks with a real hoot of an afternoon. So where’s the tradition gone if it was such a blast? Well as a matter of fact you can still see some riotous logging shows  in Washington … quite entertaining.  It’s Archives Month, and we’re celebrating how Washington has…

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Washington At Play: Camping!

Washington At Play: Camping!

Oh yes, we Washingtonians are known for our outdoorsy passions – and camping is certainly a favorite state pastime. Which reminds me … can I still squeeze one final marshmallow-roasting weekend in? State Parks makes it easy to search for campsites. October is Archives Month, which focuses on how Washingtonians have played and still play. If you don’t know what the State Archives means for you, now is a great time to find out!