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Category: Legacy Washington

“Who are we?” exhibit speakers offer wise words

“Who are we?” exhibit speakers offer wise words

We’re still aglow from last week’s launch of the “Who are we?” exhibit created by our terrific Legacy Washington team. At the launch, we were thrilled to hear moving speeches by three of the Washingtonians featured in the exhibit. Here are excerpts: “We are in an era in which it’s almost sinful to defend government. And that is a real shame, because government is a necessary institution in a free society in order for it to work. And government will…

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Ruckelshaus, Unsoeld join list of extraordinary Washingtonians in “Who are We?” exhibit

Ruckelshaus, Unsoeld join list of extraordinary Washingtonians in “Who are We?” exhibit

Former U.S. Rep. Jolene Unsoeld (left) and Secretary Wyman share a laugh during speech by Bill Ruckelshaus. A new exhibit has opened at the State Capitol honoring Bill Ruckelshaus, Jolene Unsoeld and other extraordinary Washingtonians. “Who are we?” launched in ceremonies Thursday. It features historic photos and compelling life stories of newsmakers who’ve overcome long odds and influenced the state. The exhibit, created by the office’s Legacy Washington program and printed with private dollars, will be on display at the…

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Legacy WA launches “Who are we?” exhibit Aug. 25

Legacy WA launches “Who are we?” exhibit Aug. 25

Our Legacy Washington program is getting set to launch its latest exhibit, “Who are we?” It features historic photos and compelling life stories about a diverse group of Washingtonians who have overcome obstacles to leave positive marks on our state. The exhibit’s official launch is Aug. 25 at 3 p.m. in the State Reception Room on the third floor of the Capitol in Olympia. Secretary of State Kim Wyman will emcee the event, which is open to the public. Dancers…

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Legacy WA profiles subject’s courage and resilience

Legacy WA profiles subject’s courage and resilience

JoAnn Kauffman. (Photos courtesy of JoAnn Kauffman) Our Legacy Washington program has a terrific new addition to its special series, “Who are we?” It’s the inspiring profile of JoAnn Kauffman, a prominent Nez Perce tribal member who overcame a difficult childhood and poverty to become a nationally recognized advocate for Indian health and justice. The profile, written by Legacy Washington Director Trova Heffernan, can be viewed here. “Who are we?” is a historical project that documents the lives of a…

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Classic WA maps: 1889 Puget Sound & Olympic Peninsula

Classic WA maps: 1889 Puget Sound & Olympic Peninsula

Anyone who looks at a current map of Puget Sound will spot large cities like Seattle and Tacoma and familiar geographic features like Point Defiance and Elliott Bay. But when you look at old maps of the sound, you realize that some names were different. This 1889 map of Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula proves it. What is Elliott Bay today was known as Duwamish Bay in 1889. Alki Point had a different name back then, too — Battery…

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1888 map shows a much different WA

1888 map shows a much different WA

If you really want to get a sense of how Washington has changed since statehood, just look at an old map. This 1888 map, created by Rand McNally & Co., shows Washington Territory one year before it became the 42nd state. The map, found in the combined digital map collections for the State Library and State Archives, features cities and counties that existed back then. (Stevens County was enormous, covering what is now Okanogan, Ferry and Pend Oreille counties as…

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Holocaust survivor shares gripping story during talk at Capitol

Holocaust survivor shares gripping story during talk at Capitol

Henry Friedman shares his experiences about hiding from the Nazis during World War II. (Photos courtesy of Benjamin Helle) Holocaust survivor Henry Friedman, who is featured in the Legacy Washington exhibit “Washington Remembers World War II,” gave a stirring and powerful presentation about his experiences. Secretary of State Kim Wyman emceed Friedman’s presentation Wednesday at the state Capitol. She thanked Friedman for having the courage to share his story. “The fact that he survived at all is a miracle,” Wyman…

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New Legacy WA profile highlights young winemakers

New Legacy WA profile highlights young winemakers

Amy Alvarez-Wampfler and Victor Palencia. (Photo courtesy of  Greg Lehman) Our Legacy Washington program has just released its latest profile in its special series, “Who Are We?.” The profile tells the inspiring story of two young Latino winemakers and their mentor who helped them realize their dreams. The profile on winemakers Amy Alvarez-Wampfler and Victor Palencia and their former teacher, the late Stan Clarke, is written by Legacy Washington Chief Historian John C. Hughes. The profile is being released just…

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Latest “Who are we?” profile: Disability activist Duane French

Latest “Who are we?” profile: Disability activist Duane French

Secretary of State Kim Wyman’s Legacy Washington program has released the second profile in its “Who are we?” series. It’s the powerful story of Duane French, a resilient quadriplegic who remade his life and fought for the rights of the terminally ill. The profile on French, written by Legacy Washington Chief Historian John C. Hughes. The profile can be viewed here. “Who are we?” is a historical project that documents the lives of a diverse group of Washingtonians. It includes…

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Wyman honors World War II writing contest winners

Wyman honors World War II writing contest winners

Secretary Wyman with three of the World War II writing contest winners (from left), Sajid Amin, Remi Frederick and Elizabeth Min. (Photo courtesy Laura Mott)  Secretary Wyman has honored four students as state champions in an essay and letter-writing contest marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. The contest, sponsored by our Legacy Washington program, asked students in grades 8 through 11 to either write a letter to a veteran (living or deceased) or an essay…

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