The Olympia Tumwater Foundation August Newsletter

August 2024

Happenings

Events

Falls Fest 2024 Approaches

The autumn season is upon us and it's time for Falls Fest! This year's Falls Fest will be held on Saturday, September 28th, from 10am - 4pm in Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls. This is the third year the City of Tumwater Parks and Recreation department has held this fun event in collaboration with the Olympia Tumwater Foundation! We can't wait to see you all there! You can learn more about activities and vendors at the link below.

Learn more

Come Prepared to Celebrate

Falls Fest celebrates the history and heritage of Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls. Don’t forget to explore the scenic half-mile loop trail along the Deschutes River highlighted by views of the cascading waterfalls, quiet pools, and views of the Old Brew Tower.

Family Fun

There will be lots to do and see at Falls Fest for your whole family! Vendors selling artwork, trinkets, and more, as well as kid-friendly activities will populate the park for the afternoon.

OTF Searches for New Executive Director

Help us find the perfect candidate to lead our organization! We are seeking an experienced executive director for The Olympia Tumwater Foundation. Share with someone who might be interested in this opportunity and help make a difference today.

Job Description

Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls

Come Shop New History Books from David Nicandri

Renowned historian, David Nicandri, has authored a selection of fantastic history books which are now available for purchase in the OTF giftshop! Come see what else we have for sale too!

Online Shop

Salmon Have Arrived in Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls

These scaled adventurers have braved the Pacific Ocean and Puget Sound to swim up Tumwater Falls! Come see them hopping up the Deschutes River, swimming through the fish ladder viewing windows, and splashing in the holding pens at the Tumwater Falls Hatchery. Processing days are on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Friday mornings for the WDFW workers at the hatchery. We are expecting lower numbers of fish this year, with numbers predicted to wane in early-mid October. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to see a Salmon run right in the heart of Tumwater!

The Schmidt House

Schmidt House Tours

In 1983, OTF acquired Tumwater’s elegant Schmidt House, built in 1904 for Olympia Brewing Company founder Leopold Schmidt and his wife Johanna. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Tumwater Register of Historic Places and is within the Tumwater Historic District.

We offer bi-weekly guided tours of this historic home! Register below

Host Your Wedding at the Schmidt House

We are offering the Schmidt House as a wedding venue again in 2024! Limited bookings per year are available, so inquire as soon as possible to reserve your booking!

Learn more

History Talks Return in October

Monthly History Talks at the Schmidt House are back for autumn 2024! Join us in Tumwater at noon on the first Thursday of each month for an hour-long history talk. We’ll feature captivating programs on social history or natural history, each presented by a recognized expert.

October 3: The History of Our Flag

Dick Moody, representing Sons of the American Revolution, presents a lively program on the history of the U.S. flag. Using actual flags, Dick will explain the evolution of the Stars and Stripes from the late 1700s to present day. You’ll be surprised at how much you didn’t know about our red-white-and-blue!

Attendance is free. Doors open at 11:30 AM. First come, first seated until room capacity is reached.

The Schmidt House is located at 330 Schmidt Place SW, Tumwater.

News

OTF Staff Members Nominated for Tourism Awards

OTF Executive Director, John Freedman (pictured left), was nominated for Experience Olympia & Beyond's Patrick Knutson Tourism Legend Award after serving his community and the Olympia Tumwater Foundation for over a decade. The award ceremony was held at Experience Olympia & Beyond's annual meeting on September 19, 2024.The Patrick Knutson Tourism Legend Award honors an individual who has served in the hospitality industry for 10+ years and either currently resides in or has roots in Thurston County. The award winner exemplified the characteristics of leadership, innovation and stewardship in hospitality over his or her lifetime.

Jose Guzman (pictured right), OTF's Maintenance Manager, was also nominated for Experience Olympia & Beyond's Excellence in Hospitality Award. This individual is a frontline worker who put in the hours during the past 12 months, made all guests feel welcome, and typified the attributes of a gracious and knowledgeable host. The result of their efforts creates a visitor who is eager to return and visit Thurston County. Jose has worked for OTF for over a decade as well, and is referred to as "the Mayor of Tumwater Falls".

Learn more

From The Curator

Olympia Brewing Co. Calendar ca. 1908

Here's a beautiful calendar for 1908, featuring a cute Dutch girl in wooden shoes, and touting Olympia Beer!

Want to see more photos like this?

Explore the history of the Tumwater area through vintage photos! In 2020, OTF was awarded a grant from the Thurston County Historic Commission. This grant allowed OTF to digitize over 4,400 images from its collection. We are still actively adding more photos so make sure to check back regularly!

OTF Historic Photos Archive

Karen Johnson, Schmidt House Curator.

Don't forget to check out our website!

Visit our Website

110 Deschutes Parkway SW, Tumwater, WA 98501 • +1 (360) 943-2550

https://olytumfoundation.org/