Presidents Day
photo challenge
Winter
challenge results


As a tribute to Presidents Day, here is a photo challenge that features a U.S. president's visit to Olympia. Who is that man in the picture?

Click the photo to view a larger version.
Most readers guessed this photo was taken over Snoqualmie Pass or in Paradise on Mt. Rainier. Only one entry identified Mt. Baker, the correct location.
Black History Month: Remembering the fallen Bush butternut tree
In May 2021, the Bush butternut tree fell during a windstorm. Planted by George and Isabella Bush on their Tumwater homestead in 1845, the tree was a symbol of their legacy. Like the Bushes, the tree endured many tough seasons.

Fortunately, arborist Ray Gleason has ensured we will enjoy future generations of the Bush butternut. He has taken great care to nurture several offspring of the Bush butternut by planting butternut trees with its seeds across the state.

One of the offspring trees (right) is located on the Washington State Capitol Campus in Olympia, sitting adjacent to the Bush marker dedicated in 2021.

Another tree was recently planted at Bush Middle School in Tumwater, just down the road from where its parent tree stood for more than 175 years.

Gleason took and shared the middle-right photo, showcasing the butternut tree blooms. He also shared a photo of a bowl (right) made from a piece of the fallen tree.

The butternut is also commonly called white walnut, and scientifically named Juglans cinerea.

Washington State Archives will present another iteration of "Stump the Archivist," a Q&A webinar for researchers of all experience levels, on Feb. 18 at 10 a.m.

Bring your questions and a notebook, and chat with Research Archivist Tracy Rebstock! Learn how to use state and local government records in your historical research or family history.
New records are added to our collections all the time. Updates to vital records means more access to birth, death, marriage, and divorce collections. Rebstock will talk briefly about naturalizations, as promised during last month's webinar, then take your questions so you can dig deeper into your research.

Register here. It is free to attend this event.

Visit our YouTube channel to view past webinars.
Who said
that?
Feliks Banel, MyNorthwest writer and longtime friend of Washington State Archives, wrote an article about a former U.S. senator's suggestion to the state that it revisit early 20th-century plans to build a tunnel through the Cascades. Banel reported on historical details and plans for the tunnel, which he researched at the State Archives. Read the article here.
All Washington State Archives branches are open to the public.

Patrons must make an appointment prior to visiting, and wear a face covering during the visit.

Go here for more information, including how to contact each branch to set up an appointment.
"I'm tripping over myself, I'm so juiced. I just feel like I'm running over myself right now."

Which famous Washingtonian said that? (Hint: it's not the person in the photo.)

Last month's quote was from John Stockton.