Despite daunting budget forecasts, heritage advocates continue to make a strong case for the value of cultural programs as part of the solution to the state’s current economic woes. Here’s an update from Olympia on activity pertaining to heritage funding – Read the rest of this article »

At the end of last year, the AKCHO Board accepted the resignation of Megan Gilshire as our first part time administrative lead. The board wishes Megan well in her future endeavors, we will miss her cheerful help.  Read the rest of this article »

In accordance with a budget proviso from the King County Council, the Historic Preservation Program last month submitted a report describing its plans for distributing the HB 1386 funds it was awarded in the County’s 2011 adopted budget. Read the rest of this article »

The City of Sammamish is the most recent city to enter into an interlocal agreement with King County to provide landmark designation and protection services. The first City landmark nomination processed under this agreement will be heard at Sammamish City Hall at 7 PM on Thursday, April 28. Read the rest of this article »

The idea was born – as so many good things are – at the local coffee stand. As I waited for my latte one day, I chatted with the barista about the specialty coffee drinks that they created for each holiday. Wouldn’t it be fun to create theme coffee drinks around local history? There must be a Local History Month, I reasoned. We could have the coffee stand distribute museum passes to patrons throughout the month. I couldn’t wait to see what other museums were doing to celebrate Local History Month. Read the rest of this article »

Barn illuminations on Vashon, walking tours of Redmond, an historic building renovation fair, a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Queen Anne Historical Society, and, of course, AKCHO’S 28TH ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY (!!!) – details about these events, and many more, are available at your fingertips, any time of night or day, when you go online to visit www.akcho.org/calendar/index.php. Read the rest of this article »

In commemoration of the Magnolia Historical Society’s 10th anniversary this month, the Society has commissioned sculptor and Magnolia resident John Leglar to produce stonework that will be put on permanent display in the Magnolia Village.

Leglar earned his BA studying art and architecture at University of Northern Iowa and works with a wide variety of mediums, such as steel, bronze and stone. He has worked with various local public artists and sculptors on many projects, including hand carving rosette samples for the Washington State Capitol renovation project. Read the rest of this article »

The Highline Historical Society is bringing back one of its most popular programs – an “Antiques Roadshow”-style antiques appraisal – but pairing it this time with a brand-new offering – artifact identification – at a tandem, daylong event in Burien on Saturday, April 16. Read the rest of this article »

HistoryLink.org, the online encyclopedia of Washington State history, is working on a new initiative that is funded in part by Humanities Washington to add audio clips to essays posted on the HistoryLink website.  Read the rest of this article »

The Northwest Railway Museum resumes full passenger service aboard its vintage railway this month. Beginning on April 2, and continuing every Saturday and Sunday through October, the Northwest Railway Museum will offer 75-minute round-trip train rides to the top of Snoqualmie Falls. Read the rest of this article »