Their duties include:

• Identify and promote the preservation of historic resources (buildings, structures, objects, trees, and other unique natural features, sites and districts);  
• Organize events, as approved by the Board of County Commissioners;  
• Increase awareness of our national, state, and county heritage among citizens;  
• Conduct a comprehensive inventory of historic properties with the county; periodically update the inventory;  
• Review and comment on proposals to construct, change, alter, modify, remodel, remove, demolish or significantly affect properties or districts on the county historic register;  
• Serve as the local review board for the purpose of approving applications for special property tax evaluation.

​Contact Us: Sonja Cady, Land Use Clerk. Phone: 360-867-2117. Fax: 360-754-2939. TTY/TDD call 711 or 1-800-833-6388  Email: sonja.cady@co.thurston.wa.us.

Background

The Thurston County Heritage Grant Program provides resources to assist in the collection, preservation, and interpretation of Thurston County’s heritage.  On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, the Thurston County Historic Commission administers the Thurston County Heritage Grant Program to assist projects that promote the public’s access to County history.

The program is funded with a portion of document recording fees collected by the Thurston County Auditor.  The allocation of these fees for projects that “promote historical preservation or historical programs, which may include preservation of historic documents” is authorized under RCW 36.22.170.  The revenues accrue to a dedicated fund and may not be used for any purposes other than those stipulated in the statute.

Awards Granted for 2024

The Thurston County Historic Commission received and ranked six complete applications.  The six grant applications that were awarded 2024 grant funding were:

• Olympia Tumwater Foundation – Deschutes River History and Culture Video
• Gate Community Club- Repair- paint the bell tower and interior of the schoolhouse
• City of Tenino- Sandstone Preservation Project
• Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum- Bigelow House Shutter Replacement Project
• City of Olympia- History Intern 2024
• Window Seat Media- Community Roots Oral History Project