OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Evergreen State College and the Olympia Historical Society & Bigelow House Museum (OHS) have entered into a new partnership to ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of Olympia’s historical records and artifacts. Through this agreement, OHS will transfer select archival materials to Evergreen’s Archives & Special Collections for professional storage, stewardship, and expanded public access.
This partnership represents a shared commitment to protecting the region’s cultural heritage while making it more accessible to students, researchers, and community members.
Evergreen’s Archives & Special Collections is equipped with climate-controlled storage facilities, professional archivist and trained staff, and research support services that will help preserve fragile documents, photographs, and records for generations to come. By housing these materials at Evergreen, OHS ensures their long-term care while maintaining their importance as a community resource.
“This will be the largest special collection that has come into Evergreen Archives since its founding and represents an important college-community partnership that will benefit our students, faculty, and researchers across the region,” said Grant Mandarino, Evergreen’s college archivist.
For OHS, the collaboration enhances the organization’s mission to promote and preserve Olympia’s history by expanding access to its collections. Researchers, local historians, students, and the public will benefit from improved cataloging, professional preservation practices, and integration with Evergreen’s academic programs.
“We have received over 300 individual donations over the years, ranging from something as simple as an old postcard to much larger historical pieces,” said Susan Goff, collections manager for OHS. “We thank everyone who takes the time to send something in for our collection.”
The transfer of archival materials will take place over the coming months. OHS will continue its programming and community engagement work, including exhibits, educational programs, and events at the historic Bigelow House Museum.
This collaboration strengthens the long-standing relationship between Evergreen and the Olympia community, reinforcing the college’s role as a steward of regional history and a hub for civic engagement.