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June 2026

Happenings

America250 Celebration Wrap-Up

Photos top to bottom, left to right: Second graders look at a stamp display from the Olympia Philatelic Society. Lew Maudsley of the Sons of the American Revolution talks about the items that a soldier carried in his haversack. Visitors enjoy a concert by the American Legion Band. Docents work on a display about fire department history. Shirley Stirling of the Daughters of the American Colonists discusses the Declaration of Independence with second graders from Peter G. Schmidt Elementary. Second graders from Peter G. Schmidt Elementary hear about bald eagles from volunteer Sandra Tarzwell.

Our America250 celebration at the Schmidt House was enjoyed by visitors from near and far — including guests from Sweden! We also welcomed 80 second-graders from Peter G. Schmidt Elementary School, along with their teachers, parents, and docents. The students were attentive, curious, and wonderfully well-behaved as they explored the exhibits throughout the house.

A heartfelt thank you to the local heritage groups that helped bring history to life through their displays and participation:

• Daughters of the American Colonists
• Daughters of the American Revolution, Sacajawea Chapter
• Girl Scouts of Western Washington
• Lacey Historical Society
• Olympia Genealogical Society
• Olympia Philatelic Society
• Sons of the American Revolution, George Rogers Clark Chapter
• Thurston County Historical Commission
• Tumwater Historical Association and their quilting group

Many of these organizations also provided volunteer docents throughout the exhibit. We are deeply grateful for the time, expertise, and enthusiasm they shared with our community.

Special thanks as well to the American Legion Band, who performed two concerts at the house.

These talented and generous musicians donated their time and treated audiences to a wonderful program of patriotic music.

June 4 History Talk:

The History of Our Flag

Join us each month for a free hour-long talk on social or natural history, each presented by a recognized expert. Doors open at 11:30. First come, first seated until we reach capacity.

June 4 Talk

Join us at noon on Thursday, June 4, for a fascinating presentation by Art Dolan of Sons of the American Revolution: "The History of Our Flag."

Art will present a lively program on the history of the U.S. flag. Using actual flags, Art 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!

Art has been gracious enough to fill in for our previously scheduled speaker, Dick Moody, who is unable to present his planned program. Thanks, Art, for stepping in! Art's talk will wrap up our America250 celebration.

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

Art, a retired science teacher and Olympia resident since 2005, brings history to life with energy, context, and compelling storytelling. His personal connection to the Revolutionary War began when he discovered an ancestor who served during the era.

Where: Schmidt House, 330 Schmidt Place SW, Tumwater

When: Noon, Thursday, June 4, 2026

Cost: Free! Donations are gratefully accepted.

Doors open at 11:30.

For more information, contact Karen Johnson at 360-890-2299 or karen@olytumfoundation.org.

Check out these Timberland Regional Library book lists for more info on our history talk subjects:

The Greatest Breakup Letter in History: The Declaration of Independence

The Evolution of the American Flag