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Tag: Washington State History

Exploring the 1918 Influenza Pandemic with the State Library’s Digital Collections

Exploring the 1918 Influenza Pandemic with the State Library’s Digital Collections

In 1918, while Washingtonians were anxiously awaiting for their boys to come home near the end of WWI, reports were coming over from Europe about soldiers dying from a mysterious Spanish Influenza. Reports of “la grippe,” the “flu,” and “pneumonia,” the epidemic was caused by a strain of Pfeiffer’s Bacillus, named after the epidemiologist who discovered it in 1892. By mid-September, before the war was over, it had reached the shores of Washington and at least 23 other states. Warnings…

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State Archives announces special history day awards

State Archives announces special history day awards

The Washington State Archives, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State, partners with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) each year to put on National History Day in Washington State. OSPI’s website describes National History Day as a “nationwide social studies program that challenges over 500,000 middle and high school students across the United States and territories to develop their historical research skills.” A new theme is chosen each year, and projects come in several…

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Winners of the 2019 Zine Contest announced

Winners of the 2019 Zine Contest announced

The advent of the internet opened all sorts of possibilities for self-expression but even before the internet, people with something to say have always found a way to get their story out.  One of the ways, that originated in the 1930s, are Zines.  Originally created by science fiction fans to share ideas and analyses, later adopted by the Beat generation, and the art and literary scene of the 1960s and 70s, people used the Zine format publish their own stories.The…

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Zinesters! Now’s Your Chance to make Washington History Come Alive!

Zinesters! Now’s Your Chance to make Washington History Come Alive!

From the desk of Judy Pitchford Beginning today and running through August 31, 2015, the Washington State Library, Washington State Archives (both divisions of the Office of the Secretary of State) and Timberland Regional Library are sponsoring the 1st Annual Historical Zine Contest! What is a Zine (which, by the way, rhymes with bean)? Zines are basically self-published magazines that give the creator’s point of view on the subject. All three sponsors have a multitude of resources that can provide fantastic…

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WSL Special Collections featured on C-SPAN 2’s Book TV

WSL Special Collections featured on C-SPAN 2’s Book TV

This weekend, C-SPAN Cities will be featuring a block of programming on the history and the literary culture of Olympia on its American History TV and Book TV specials. The State Library’s Territorial Collection is highlighted. Also featured are visits to local museums, businesses and exhibitions, and talks with local authors, historians, and political figures such as NWIFC Chairman Billy Frank, Jr., Secretary of State Kim Wyman, and Governor Jay Inslee.

Oh, the places you’ll go! (Part 2)

Oh, the places you’ll go! (Part 2)

In November of 1854, the library was relocated to a small wood-frame building on Fourth and Main Street. Territorial Librarian B.F. Kendall had the structure built specifically to hold the library materials, the law insisting that it be housed “as convenient as possible to the house occupied by the legislative assembly.”

Oh, the places you’ll go!

Oh, the places you’ll go!

From the desk of Sean Lanksbury. PNW & Special Collections Librarian As the Washington State Library nears its 160th anniversary, the staff here have been reflecting on the movement, growth, and development of the Library’s collections  and services from the Territorial up through this modern era – and the impact these factors have had on life of Washingtonians. Follow us over the next few weeks as we trace the movement of the original Territorial Library Collection, which not only lives on at the…

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Free Noontime Event at State Library, 4/18/2013

Free Noontime Event at State Library, 4/18/2013

Schafer State Park, a US National Historic Site, not only represents a unique example of 1930s craftsmanship from the Works Progress Administration and memorializes an early example of philanthropy by private citizens and corporations in Washington State. Olympia authors Peter Schafer Reid and Barbara Seal Ogle will discuss the park’s history and future. They will also be signing their new book on the park, with more than 200 vintage images and memories of days gone by. Doors open at 11:45a.m.

Western State Hospital Library takes a look at history

Western State Hospital Library takes a look at history

Kathleen Benoun at Western State Hospital Library has done it again.  Not only does she keep the patients and staff happy in the library— her love of history has drawn her to help create the historical museum on the grounds of Washington State Hospital.  Now that love of history and the library has combined to bring a great program to the hospital treatment centers.  This program is a great addition to the library services at Western State Hospital.  Check out the attached flyer to…

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