Thurston County Heritage Day 2026: Honoring the past and bridging the future

The heartbeat of our shared history resonated through Heritage Hall this past Saturday as generations of Thurston County families gathered for the 2026 Heritage Day. 

Historic Commission Chair Rebecca Sanchez took the stage to present the centerpiece of the morning: the 2026 Heritage Award. This year, the honor was bestowed upon Andrea Cotey, whose tireless dedication to local preservation was met with a standing ovation. 

Standing within the high-ceilinged warmth of the hall in Lacey, the ceremony served as a powerful reminder that our past is not a static memory, but a living, breathing tapestry woven by the hands of neighbors like Cotey.

The event was held on Sept. 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Thurston County Fairgrounds’ Heritage Hall. 

Under the theme, "Thurston County’s history belongs to all of us!", the hall was transformed into a vibrant celebration of the stories, places, and people that define us. 

Local history groups and residents shared records, proving that our collective heritage remains the bedrock of our community identity.

The visual displays inside Heritage Hall were the work of Deborah Ross. Her research provided vital captions and historical context for the images and photos that lined the hall. 

As visitors navigated the exhibition booths, they were greeted with a wealth of updates from regional preservation partners:

• The Lacey Museum: The team shared news of their move to 6th Avenue near Lacey City Hall. They also debuted architectural visions for the future Lacey Museum and Cultural Center, slated for construction near the Lacey Train Depot. Between these major milestones, the museum continues its community reach through Free Craft Programs held monthly.
• Tenino Contingent: Representing the "Stone City," this group provided detailed kiosk panels and celebrated the permanent installation of the bronze plaque now gracing Heritage Hall.
• Olympia Historical Society (OHS): Discussions focused on the urgent need to stabilize collections that have been housed in a private residence since 2008. OHS also took a moment to honor Susan Goff, who received an award in January 2026 for her unwavering stewardship of these materials.
• The Evergreen State College: Deborah Ross has held physical collections in her garage since 2008, but TESC recently started processing them. A significant new collection has found a home in the Archives Space beneath the college library. This resource was described as a new intellectual and physical link to the greater community. 
• Arts and Heritage Museum: This booth highlighted a special celebration of Roger Easton, showcasing how collaborative efforts are keeping his regional legacy at the forefront of the public eye.

The afternoon transitioned from the artifacts of the booths to the power of the spoken word. Historic Commissioner Ira Kitmacher opened the keynote sessions with “Lincoln, Civil War and the Pacific Northwest,” a compelling look at how national fractures reached the shores of the Puget Sound. 

Following a brief interlude for refreshments, the narrative shifted from the political to the elemental. Randi Moe of the South Sound Story Guild presented “It’s The Water,” a masterclass in storytelling that explored how our local artesian wells and the famous Olympia Beer legacy have shaped the South Sound's cultural soul.

The commitment to history shined through in the student outreach initiatives. Through the North Thurston Envision Program Grant and a dedicated Olympia High School grant, students have contributed significantly to the Squaxin Island Library Research Center. This collaboration is immortalized in the Olympia High School lobby, where a new student-led mural celebrates Native American Heritage. 

Greg Griffith expressed the collective pride of the commission, stating, “We are really proud of our outreach to the students of how important it is to carry this heritage into their future.”

This spirit of continuity extends to the ongoing preservation of the Bigelow House Museum and the popular walking tours of downtown murals, ensuring that the artistry of the past remains visible in our modern landscape.

For those who wish to get involved with the Thurston County Historic Commission, reach out to Delicia Durden at 360-867-2110 or via email at deliciadurden@co.thurston.wa.us.