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Tag: Washington State Archives

State Archives does its part to get rid of paper in state government

State Archives does its part to get rid of paper in state government

Some of the shelves at the State Records Center in Tumwater. As you enter the Washington State Archives’ State Records Center at the south end of Tumwater, the first thing you notice are the rows of shelves of cardboard boxes that literally rise to the ceiling 40 feet up. When you see those super-tall shelves in that enormous building, it reminds you of the final scene of Raiders of the Lost Ark when the crate carrying the coveted yet deadly…

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Archives and Library’s connection to `Queen of the Fakers’

Archives and Library’s connection to `Queen of the Fakers’

Maud Wagnon’s State Penitentiary mug shots. (Image courtesy of Washington State Archives) Many people associate our State Archives and State Library with old government documents and historic books and collections that are like gold to genealogists and history buffs. But many of those documents and collections kept by the Archives and Library also tell fascinating stories. One example focuses on an Oregon woman named Maud Wagnon (aka Maud Johnson), who defrauded interurban railroads more than a century ago, earning her…

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Ancestry Day event draws packed crowds

Ancestry Day event draws packed crowds

Secretary Wyman with Sons of the American Revolution at Ancestry Day Saturday in Tacoma. (Photos courtesy of Washington State Archives) It takes a special event to keep sun-craving Northwesterners indoors on a nice September weekend, but that was the case Saturday as hundreds packed themselves into a large meeting room at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center for Ancestry Day. The event was co-hosted by Ancestry, the Washington State Historical Society, and the Office of Secretary of State’s Washington…

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State Library kicks off Letters About Literature, Zine contests

State Library kicks off Letters About Literature, Zine contests

The State Library just launched not one but two contests for Washington students. One is a perennial favorite and the other capitalizes on an alternative art form that allows for self-expression. For the 12th straight year, the State Library is co-sponsoring the Letters About Literature contest as part of Washington Reads. The competition encourages students to write letters to their favorite authors, living or dead, about how their book changed the student’s view of the world or himself or herself….

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Want to dig into your family roots? Go to Ancestry Day Sept. 24

Want to dig into your family roots? Go to Ancestry Day Sept. 24

Interested in learning more about your family’s history? Whether you’re a genealogy expert or just starting to dig into your family’s roots, you’re encouraged to attend Ancestry Day in Tacoma Saturday, Sept. 24. The event is co-hosted by Ancestry, the Washington State Historical Society,  and the Office of Secretary of State’s Washington State Archives, Washington State Library and Legacy Washington . “This will be a great event for many people in Washington and the Northwest who want to learn more…

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Archives Treasure #2: 1920 Vancouver shipyard photos

Archives Treasure #2: 1920 Vancouver shipyard photos

(Images courtesy of Washington State Archives) Located by the world’s largest ocean and the Pacific Rim, Washington has a long history of shipping and shipbuilding. Washington probably has had shipbuilders since its territorial days and these cool State Archives photos show images from early in the last century. These shots feature a Vancouver shipyard around 1920. They are the second  of three Archives Treasure for August; a reader poll will appear after the third blog appears. Watch for it.

A Snapshot of Benton County

A Snapshot of Benton County

Benton is third in a series covering Washington’s 39 counties, including how they got their names. In southcentral Washington where the Columbia, Snake, and Yakima rivers converge, sits Benton County. Benton covers 1,738 square miles, designating it as Washington’s 21st largest county. Although it’s not particularly big, it’s population is 186,486 people, giving it a density of 103 people per square mile. This is slightly higher than the state average of 101.2, and is the 9th highest among Washington’s counties….

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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…

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Historical Zine Contest under way

Historical Zine Contest under way

Are you a Zinester or want to become one? Do you like history? Then take part in the first-ever Historical Zine Contest. Some of you might be asking, What is a Zine? Zines (rhymes with beans) are basically self-published magazines that give the creator’s point of view on the subject. The contest, which is sponsored by the Washington State Library, Washington State Archives and Timberland Regional Library, runs through August 31. The contest is open to 4th graders through adults…

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WSL Updates for June 11, 2015

WSL Updates for June 11, 2015

Volume 11, June 11, 2015 for the WSL Updates mailing list Topics include: 1) MAKE HISTORY COME ALIVE WITH ZINES! 2) PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANTS 3) BOOK YOUR BANK PILOT PROGRAM OPPORTUNITY 4) NORTHWEST ELEARN CONFERENCE 2015 5) JUNE IS GLBT BOOK MONTH 6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK ————————————————————————————————————— 1) MAKE HISTORY COME ALIVE WITH ZINES! Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State, is sponsoring the 1st Annual Historical Zine Contest with co-sponsors Washington…

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