Wash. Archives Month celebrates 125th statehood anniversary

The Washington State Archives is using the upcoming celebration of the 125th anniversary of Washington statehood as this year’s theme for the annual Washington Archives Month.

“It’s just a natural to tie-in to Washington’s 125th birthday as a state,” said Washington State Archivist Steve Excell. “Washington has experienced so many historic moments and achievements since 1889, and the State Archives is proud to recognize the milestone as this year’s theme — 125 Years of Making History.”

As it does every year, the Washington State Archives has created a free poster to commemorate Washington Archives Month. The poster is available in the Washington State Archives headquarters in Olympia, the front desk of its Executive Office at the Capitol, and at all regional Washington State Archives branches in Bellevue, Bellingham, Cheney, and Ellensburg, as well as several local historical societies, universities with archives/library collections, museums, and heritage centers. Posters are available while supplies last.

Washington Archives Month runs throughout October and features free workshops and open houses at the main Washington State Archives building in Olympia, as well as the regional Washington State Archives branches. A schedule of events is available online here.

On Nov. 11, 1889, President Benjamin Harrison signed a proclamation admitting Washington Territory to the Union. The Washington State Historical Society will host a commemorative ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda in Olympia on Nov. 11, 2014.