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State Archivist Sid McAlpin
In memoriam: Sid McAlpin, State Archivist from 1963-1994

In memoriam: Sid McAlpin, State Archivist from 1963-1994

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Sid McAlpin, State Archivist from 1963 to 1994. To those who worked in the Washington State Archives in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, Sid was not only a leader, but also a friend and mentor. Sid’s work as State Archivist was significant and extensive. The following are only some of his many great accomplishments and contributions. Moved the Records Committees from Destruction to Records Retention…

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Archives Spotlight: How April 25 has become meaningful for the Washington State Archives

Archives Spotlight: How April 25 has become meaningful for the Washington State Archives

Over the years, April 25th has grown into a date circled on the calendar by our team at the Washington State Archives. On April 25, 1963, the Olympia Archives Building opened up “in the shadow of the Capitol Dome,” ready to take records into what was seen at the time as a technologically-advanced facility.  That archives building started to show its age as the decades progressed. On April 25, 2014, the building amplified the need for a new, modern repository….

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Bush butternut tree
If Trees Could Talk: Famous Trees around Washington

If Trees Could Talk: Famous Trees around Washington

We have many historically significant trees in Washington, and many State Archives records document the people and events related to the state’s most historic trees. Although State Archives collections mainly consist of state and local government records, many archival collections also contain photographs. Archivist Jewell Dunn recently turned up one of the last photos of the Medicine Creek tree after it was topped by an arborist to be preserved. The plaque seen in the Medicine Creek tree photo at right…

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Paul Longwell
An era in State Library technology ends

An era in State Library technology ends

This week marks the end of an era at the State Library as we lose Paul Longwell to the happy world of retirement. Paul has been on the IT staff of the State Library since 1989. Paul discussed the other day all the changes he has seen in his years on staff. The day he started, the Washington State Library had two servers with a total storage space of 10 MB, and two total IT staffers. The times have changed…

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Time’s running out for Capitol botanical tour

Time’s running out for Capitol botanical tour

Every day, the Washington State Capitol is open to the public for tours of the Legislative Building. Beginning in the middle of August, a cool new tour was added – a botanical tour of the whole lush campus. In a state known for its abundance of trees and plantings, it only makes sense that the Capitol Campus would be a shining example of Washington’s love of nature. The Olmsted Brothers of Central Park fame were the original designers after all….

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Can’t mask this: CFD ball a big hit

Can’t mask this: CFD ball a big hit

Secretary Wyman (left) and others pose during the Masquerade Ball. (Photo courtesy of Stephanie Horn) The second annual Masquerade Ball at the Capitol last Saturday evening was a huge success. The Office of Secretary of State, the Combined Fund Drive and the Department of Archeology and Historical Preservation co-hosted the event, with Secretary of State Kim Wyman and State Historic Preservation Officer Allyson Brooks welcoming guests. Around 600 made their way up the grand staircase to the Capitol rotunda where…

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No Heritage Center just yet

No Heritage Center just yet

Washington’s newly adopted $3.7 billion  construction budget doesn’t  greenlight construction of the long-planned and previously approved Washington State Heritage Center on the Capitol Campus. The project, championed by Secretary of State Sam Reed, Senator Karen Fraser, heritage groups, and newspapers across Washington, is designed to bring together the State Archives, State Library, an education center, visitor experience, history exhibits and other features in a consolidated facility at the gateway to the Capitol grounds. It was not in competition with other operating…

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Didyaknow…?

Didyaknow…?

… it took 24 people to carry the 38 ft-tall holiday tree into the Capitol this morning?  That’s right!  The noble fir was cut down yesterday in Toutle Ridge near Mt. St. Helens on Department of Natural Resources property.  The tree was brought on a large flat bed semi-truck and carried in by hand.  Look closely, you can see 2 x 4’s are placed under the tree as handles for workers to slowly make their way into the building.  It…

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