Olympia Historical Society & Bigelow House Museum

OHS & BHM Mission Statement: The Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum preserves and shares the history and heritage of Olympia and the Bigelow House in a way that recognizes and values the diversity and rich cultures that gave rise to our community, is inclusive of all persons and perspectives, and informs and engages community members and visitors.  

OHS & BHM owns and manages the Bigelow House Museum, an 1860s, National Register property and makes it available to the public.  The Bigelow House Museum is part of the National Votes for Women Trail for its important associations with the history of women suffrage.  Daniel R. and Ann Elizabeth White Bigelow, original residents of the house, were advocates for equal rights and Susan B. Anthony visited the house in 1871.  The house has period decor and authentic furnishings belonging to the Bigelow Family.

The Olympia Historical Society maintains the Olympia Historical Society website, olympiahistory.org,  a vital resource for local history, with resources, images and links as well as fielding questions about local history.  OHS maintains a large archive of documents, photographs and artifacts illuminating local history.  Recent public programs include presentations on Chinese Exclusion and Resilience in the Built Environment in the area, and in partnership with Olympia Arts + Heritage Alliance, a program on the Underground Railroad in Olympia with the link to Victoria, B. C.  OHS & BHM through a Diversity in Local History Grant from the Washington State Historical Society, partnered with Olympia City Parks and the Squaxin Island Tribe for an interpretive marker in Squaxin Park.  OHS & BHM is also resuming the Holiday Tour of Historic Homes in 2024.