March 2025 Happenings

 

OTF Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2025

We award approximately 20 scholarships each year, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, to graduating seniors in Thurston County who plan to attend college in Washington. Our selection committee evaluates applicants based on financial need, academic potential, a minimum 3.0 GPA, strong work ethic, and community involvement.


Apply Here
 
 

Events

 

March History Talk — Generationally-Linked Archaeology in Our Region

Join us for a fascinating discussion with Dr. Dale Croes, a renowned anthropologist and archaeologist who has spent over 40 years studying Northwest Coast basketry and cordage. Alongside Salishan Master Basketmaker Ed Carriere, Dr. Croes co-authored a book on Salish Sea basketry, tracing the evolution of traditional Northwest Coast basketmaking from thousands of years ago to today.


Dr. Croes will explore how basketry serves as a tangible link to the past, preserving the traditions and skills of generations.


Special Opportunity: Attendees may bring one native-made basket to be identified by Dr. Croes after the talk, time permitting. Copies of the Croes/Carriere book will also be available for purchase.

Where: Schmidt House, 330 Schmidt Place SW, Tumwater

When: Noon, Thursday, March 6, 2025

Cost: Free! Donations are gratefully accepted.

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

For more info: Karen Johnson, 360-890-2299, karen@olytumfoundation.org


About History Talks

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.

Our February history talk, presented by Dave Welch, was well attended. Over 70 people listened to Dave’s fascinating program about his own ancestor, Ambrose Asher, who was kidnapped by Native Americans in the 1800s. Dave explained the circumstances of that event, and also explored the view of the Native Americans, a perspective that is often ignored by historians. Thank you, Dave, for a thought-provoking talk!

 
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From The Curator

 
 

Did the Schmidts Start Greyhound Bus Lines?

During the 1920s, the Schmidt family ran a local bus line, since Prohibition had shuttered their well-known brewery. A persistent rumor holds that their bus line was a precursor to the Greyhound Lines, but is this true? Not at all. The Schmidts were long out of the bus business before Greyhound moved into our area. Click here to read the complete story.


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!

Karen Johnson, Schmidt House Curator.

OTF Historic Photos Archive
 

Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls

 

Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls is now open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm—giving you more time to explore, learn, and enjoy everything Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls has to offer.

 

Schmidt House Tours and Weddings

 

Schmidt House Tours

Join us for a free guided tour of the historic Schmidt House, built in 1904 for Leopold Schmidt and his family. Explore all four levels of this remarkable home with a knowledgeable guide. Please note that while the first floor is ADA accessible, accessing the upper levels requires climbing stairs. Tours are held every other Tuesday at 11 a.m. and last approximately 90 minutes. Upcoming tour dates include March 11, March 25, April 8, April 22, May 6, and May 20.


Register for a Tour

Schmidt House Weddings

The Schmidt House is once again available as a wedding venue in 2025!


With limited bookings available, we encourage you to inquire as soon as possible to secure your date. This historic home provides a charming setting for private events, including weddings, meetings, and more. Join a free guided tour or explore the grounds, open daily during daylight hours!

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Don't forget to check out our website!

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


https://olytumfoundation.org/

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