Photo Challenge
August was too Easy! 
Submissions for last month's challenge flooded in, and several of them were correct! Good job, Donald Brown, you were the first one to identify this location as Vista House on top of Mt. Spokane.  Learn more about Mt. Spokane on SpokaneHistorical.org
The September Super Challenge
by Benjamin Helle, Olympia Branch Archivist

Discover Your Roots


Genealogy experts will speak, sharing a wealth of knowledge and tips to help you discover your roots. Both novice and experienced genealogists are welcome at this event. The $35 registration includes admission to all Saturday classes. Lunch tickets can be purchased for an additional $15, which includes a box lunch and a bonus speaker. Get your tickets now!
Cracking the Archives
by Dr. Jewell Lorenz Dunn, Olympia Branch Researcher
Divorce is a topic families do not want to talk about. For this reason alone, many people don't have the information necessary for researchers to help locate divorce records. The records are usually hidden in various court documents which are not indexed... Read more
Accessibility via Technology - The Evolution of Imaging Services
The Washington State Archives Imaging Services has been working with local and state government agencies for over 40 years to help protect their archival records from the scourge of time.  During those years, our equipment has evolved with the ever-changing technology.  Microfilm has given way to high-speed scanners a... Keep reading
September in Washington
contributed by Steve Excell

Name the Washington personality responsible for this gem of a list?

10 Steps to being my Pal:
1. Mind Mommy and Daddy
2. Wash hands, face, neck and ears
3. Comb hair
4. Brush teeth
5. Drink your milk
6. Eat all of your food
7. Say your prayers
8. Share your toys
9. Put toys away
10. Hang up clothes

Volunteers in Action
Thank you Curt! You are September's Volunteer of the Month!
In August, Curt indexed 7,179 records on Scribe, more than anyone else during the month. Keep up the amazing work! We appreciate every single second of precious time dedicated to volunteering. The amazing corps of volunteers we're fortunate enough to have is truly making a difference. They are making it possible for the public to easily access the wealth of information within the Archives.

If you would like to join our volunteer program and help us write history, become a Scribe today!
Help us Solve this Mystery Photo

Click photo to enlarge
Cowlitz PUD sent us this photo, used in its 1941 Annual Report and a PR pamphlet. That's all we know about it.

If you recognize this photo, we are seeking information about where and when it was taken, who is in the photograph, and who took the photo. 

If you have any info, please let us know.
"Who ARE We?" Exhibit has Launched!
The Legacy Washington program, in the Office of the Secretary of State, launched the "Who ARE We?" exhibit. The impressive display highlights standout citizens and their unique, in-depth stories. 

Three of the featured Washingtonians gave incredibly moving speeches at the opening day on August 25 at the Legislative Building.  Read excerpts  from the fascinating speeches.
Property of the Month
contributed by Midori Okazaki, Puget Sound Branch Archivist

The Arctic Building was constructed in 1916 for the Seattle Arctic Club and is noted for the terra cotta walrus heads lining the third floor exterior of the building. On August 7, 1936, U.S. Representative Marion Zioncheck fell from the building's fifth floor, landing a few feet away from the car carrying his wife. Zioncheck was elected to Congress in 1932 at the age of 30 and was an ardent champion of President Roosevelt's New Deal policies. In the months leading to his death, he made headlines with his increasingly erratic behavior, which included sending a truckload of manure to FBI director J. Edgar Hoover's home. While his death was ruled a suicide, some relatives remained skeptical. Zioncheck's close friend, Warren Magnuson, was elected to Zioncheck's seat in the fall election.
Employee Spotlight

This month's Employee Spotlight showcases Digital Projects Archivist, Mary Hammer. 

In her interview, Mary shares about her role at the Archives and her dedication to making them fully accessible to the public.  Read the entire interview   to get a couple professional tips on searching the Archives, and see why someone affectionately refers to her as "Queen of the Macabre." She actually has several nicknames even though her real name already sounds like a nickname.
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