One of the Legacy Project’s oral histories has become the program’s first printed book. The biography and oral history of Nancy Evans, Washington’s remarkable former first lady, is now available for purchase. John Hughes, the Legacy Project’s chief oral historian, wrote the biography and conducted the oral history interviews with Mrs. Evans. Here’s his take on this fascinating project:

1) Why would the average person want to pick up this book? In other words, what’s in it for me? Nancy Evans was much more than a First Lady. She is best known for saving the Governor’s Mansion from the wrecking ball, but her career in public life is fascinatingly diverse. During her 12 years as first lady she sparked new interest in history and the arts in Olympia and was a founding trustee of Planned Parenthood of Thurston County. She also backed the Equal Rights Amendment and has been a longtime activist for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled. She and Gov. Evans welcomed Vietnamese refugees to Washington in the 1970s after the governor of California said there was no room for them. One young immigrant couple was so grateful for their support that they named a son Evans. In the years since, Nancy has served on numerous boards, including the Seattle Symphony, KCTS, the Cancer Lifeline and as a trustee of her alma mater, Whitman College.
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2) What lessons can we take away from Nancy Evans’ story and her role in state history?
That sometimes in life, you have to find the courage to take risks. Nancy says she dearly loved her father, but it was mother who knew best when she said, “You can do whatever you want to do; you just have to be ready to do it, and say yes.” At 31, Nancy was the youngest first lady in state history and her husband’s “not-so-secret weapon.” She never forgot that she was Nancy Bell, a music teacher from Spokane. With her unpretentious charm and political moxie, she welcomed thousands of visitors to the mansion and was a huge asset to her husband on the campaign trail. As women were emerging from male shadows in the 1960s, she was a trendsetter and role model – all the while raising three live-wire sons.

3) How does the Legacy Project select its oral history subjects? What was it about Nancy’s story that made you pick her?
The Legacy Project’s legislative mandate is to tell the stories of former governors and other statewide elected officials, including members of Congress and the judiciary, as well as “extraordinary citizens from all walks of life who have made meaningful contributions to the political life of Washington State.” Nancy Evans’ involvement in civic life for half a century is exemplary. We’re also striving to find relative unknowns whose stories need to be told. A great example of that is Lillian Walker of Bremerton. Now a feisty 96, she has been a civil rights activist since the 1940s.

4) This is the first oral history that has been published into a book. Are there plans for future books?
Yes. Our biography of former governor Booth Gardner – “Booth Who?” – will be available in June. We publish all of our projects on-line, but forgo issuing printed copies because the budget is tight. The Evans and Gardner books are being published through donations from the private sector, at no expense to the public. That won’t be possible with every project, but when the opportunity arises it’s another great way to reach an even wider audience. We are interacting with teachers in a number of ways to make Washington State history come alive for young people. That’s one of the key goals of Sam Reed, our Secretary of State.

5) I want a copy of the book. How can I get one?
The Nancy Evans book is available for sale online through the Heritage Center site and the State Seal store, or you can also order a copy by calling (360) 902-4151. The contents of the book can be accessed for free online at the Legacy Project site, where we e-publish all of our oral histories.