Browsed by
Category: Uncategorized

The former Washington State Library has been named to the National Register of Historic Places.

The former Washington State Library has been named to the National Register of Historic Places.

Early last week we received the news that on August 3, 2015 the Pritchard Building, on Olympia’s Capitol campus (formerly the Washington State Library) had been named to the National Register of Historic Places.   This followed the already exciting designation on July 20th to the list of Washington State Heritage Register of Historic Places. The Pritchard Building, which opened in January, 1959, was built during the administration of Governor Albert Rosellini, under the guidance of then State Librarian Maryan Reynolds. …

Read More Read More

A Snapshot of Cowlitz County

A Snapshot of Cowlitz County

Washington is proud of its rich Native American heritage. Many counties in Washington have names derived from native languages. Cowlitz County, which was founded in 1854, is a great example. The word Cowlitz is a rough adaptation of the Native word tawallitch, the tribal name of the Native Americans who lived there before pioneers arrived. It is also the name given to a river running through the county, as well as a massive glacier that feeds into the river. Although…

Read More Read More

A Snapshot of Columbia County

A Snapshot of Columbia County

The Palouse region of Washington is a landscape of gentle hills, rural towns, and wheat fields in the southeastern corner of the state. Eliciting a Van Gogh painting, Palouse starkly contrasts the mountains and forests of Western Washington. Columbia County is found in this golden part of Washington, and is the seventh county in our series. Columbia County is named after the Columbia River, which winds through Washington and serves as a vein of commerce, irrigation, and recreation for the…

Read More Read More

A Snapshot of Chelan County

A Snapshot of Chelan County

Chelan is third in a series covering Washington’s 39 counties, including how they got their names. ————————————— If you look at a map of Washington, you’ll notice a long body of water gently winding across the northern Cascades. This blue swath is not a river, but Lake Chelan, a long, narrow lake that is a scenic icon that draws tourists to the fourth county in our snapshot series, Chelan County. Chelan is named after the 55-mile-long lake that snakes near its…

Read More Read More

July Library Jewel #3: Charles Scammon and Pacific Marine Mammals

July Library Jewel #3: Charles Scammon and Pacific Marine Mammals

During the summer months, tourists and Washingtonians alike flock to the San Juan Islands to enjoy the sights and activities, including a possible a glimpse of whales. Pods of orca, gray, and humpback whales frequent the waters around the scenic islands. They can often be seen on boat tours, ferry rides, and from island vantage points like Lime Kiln Point State Park on San Juan Island. This month, your Washington State Library dips into its treasure trove to present a…

Read More Read More

July Library Jewel #2: `American Archives’

July Library Jewel #2: `American Archives’

    July is the most patriotic month for many Americans. Millions across the nation celebrate American heritage and freedom on Independence Day every Fourth of July. The Washington State Library adds a historical flair to the month this year by showcasing one of their rare books on American history. The book, American Archives, written by Peter Force, is an expansive collection of letters, debates, public records, and other historical documents that are important to American history. The goal of…

Read More Read More

A Snapshot of Asotin County

A Snapshot of Asotin County

Asotin is second in a series covering Washington’s 39 counties, including how they got their names. Nestled in the reaches of Washington’s far southeastern corner is Asotin County (pronounced uh-SOH-tin). It is colloquially referred to as Washington’s “cornerstone.” Asotin, a word derived from the Nez Perce Indian language (originally Has-Hu-Tin), translates into English as, “eel creek.” This title refers to the eels that are ubiquitous in the waterways in and around Asotin County, including the Snake River. Before the arrival…

Read More Read More

A Snapshot of Adams County

A Snapshot of Adams County

Adams is first in a series covering Washington’s 39 counties, including how they got their names. —————————————————————————————————– Adams County, named for the second president, John Adams, is a landscape of pastoral hills, farmland, and vast skies in the southeastern part of the state. It was founded in November, 1883, by the Territorial Legislature, six full years before Washington became a state. Unlike the densely populated counties in the West around Puget Sound, Adams County offers plenty of elbow room. With…

Read More Read More

2015 Primary begins! Ready to vote?

2015 Primary begins! Ready to vote?

Washington voters soon will be receiving their ballots for the 2015 Primary, the eighth year in which the voter-approved Top 2 Primary system is being used to winnow down the number of candidates in races. WA voters should check their mail over the next few days for their Primary ballot. County elections officials are mailing ballots this week to registered voters. Military and overseas ballots were sent out weeks ago. This year’s Primary voting period ends Aug. 4 and features…

Read More Read More

Digitization grants awarded for Washington Rural Heritage, 2015-2016

Digitization grants awarded for Washington Rural Heritage, 2015-2016

From the desk of Evan Robb Congratulations to the latest group of public libraries and heritage organizations recently awarded digitization grant through the Washington Rural Heritage program! Over the next year Washington State Library staff will be working with these organizations to digitize unique, historically significant materials held in their collections. Awardees will be trained in all aspects of digitization, and their collections will be publicly hosted and digitally preserved through the Washington Rural Heritage website and digital repository. The…

Read More Read More