The Washington State Archives is celebrating its annual Archives Month in October by making “Strange Washington” this year’s theme.

Three events related to Archives Month will be held in Olympia over the coming weeks:

• Oct. 7: Tales of Strange Washington – Hear speakers talk about some infamous individuals and incidents in our state. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., State Archives Building, 1129 Washington St. SE, Olympia.
• Oct. 27: Haunted Tours – Archives staff will take visitors on a tour of the Archives’ underground stacks. There will be four separate tours in 30-minute increments. 6–8 p.m. State Archives Building, Olympia.
• Nov. 2: History Happy Hour – Here is a chance to enjoy some fun, historical trivia! There will be prizes, food and drinks. 7-9 p.m., 3 Magnets Brewery, 600 Franklin St., Olympia.  (UPDATE: This event is being rescheduled due to the Sounders playoff game that night. More information to come!)

The State Archives’ Puget Sound Regional Branch (Bellevue) is hosting a workshop called The Basics of Historical Research on Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. People attending the event can learn about research sources and how to use them.

Other Archives Month-related events will be held in October at various Washington State Archives branches. Contact the State Archives at (360) 586-1492 or [email protected] for more details.

As always, the State Archives has a great-looking free poster to commemorate the monthlong celebration. The poster features classic color and black-and-white photos of strange things and events that have occurred here in Washington. The poster is available in the State Archives headquarters in Olympia, the front desk of our Executive Office at the Capitol and at all regional Archives branches in Bellevue, Bellingham, Cheney and Ellensburg, as well as several local historical societies, universities with archives/library collections, museums and heritage centers. Make sure to get a poster while supplies last!

If you want to download the digital version of the new poster, just go here. The poster includes images from archival institutions across the state, including the Odessa Public Library, Seattle Municipal Archives, University of Washington, Western Washington University, the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, and the State Archives.