September
photo challenge
August
challenge results


In September we celebrate Labor Day, a public holiday with history rooted in the fight for fair working conditions. Often the day is marked with a parade like the one shown in this image from Labor Day in 1908. Can you guess in which of Washington's industrious cities this parade took place? Extra points if you can guess the exact location!

Click image to view larger version.
Many of you participated in last month's challenge, and we were impressed with your canine knowledge! Some correctly guessed this Scottish deerhound, Ghillie, was loyal companion to Gov. Dixy Lee Ray. A few of you even had stories of meeting Ghillie, as well as Ray's miniature poodle, Jacques! Legend has it Ghillie and Jacques frequently stole the spotlight at press conferences.

Several folks guessed the dog might be Peggy, the Irish wolfhound devoted to Gov. Dan Evans, an administration earlier. We see the resemblance!
"Every day has a story and becomes part of our legacy; how we preserve it matters." - Heather Hirotaka

Join us online Thursday, Oct. 6, 1-2 p.m., to meet Heather Hirotaka, our new Washington State Archivist. Hirotaka will highlight how her experience as a longtime public servant has prepared her for her new role; share her vision for connecting more people to the Archives and preserving Washington's amazing history; and answer questions from attendees.

Register for this free virtual event here.

Hirotaka is the first woman to serve as Washington State Archivist. More about Hirotaka and her appointment can be found on the Office of the Secretary of State's website.
Lunch and learn presentation
Haunted Archives will be back
Join us on Sept. 15 at 11:30 a.m. for Looking Back at the City of Tomorrow, a free lunch-and-learn presentation commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Seattle World's Fair. Research Archivist Benjamin Helle will present historic images of Century 21 from the Archives.

This event will be held in the Columbia Room of the Legislative Building (416 Sid Snyder Ave. SE, Olympia), and will end by 1 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch.
The fifth annual Halloween haunting courtesy of Washington State Archives will take place next month. It will be sure to entertain, frighten, and even educate!

Details on this free event will be in October's newsletter. In the meantime, you can prepare yourself by watching last year's haunted tour here.
All Washington State Archives branches are open to the public.

Appointments are highly recommended. Contact a certain branch for COVID protocols as they may vary.

Go here for more information, including how to contact each branch to set up an appointment.