Title
Special Recognition - Proclamation Recognizing May as Olympia Heritage Month
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Proclaim May 2026 as Olympia Heritage Month and encourage all citizens to explore local heritage through online resources, to support Olympia's economy by patronizing local businesses, restaurants and venues in our historic downtown and historic places.
Report
Issue:
Whether to proclaim May 2026 as Olympia Heritage Month and encourage all citizens to explore local heritage through online resources, to support Olympia's economy by patronizing local businesses, restaurants and venues in our historic downtown and historic places.
Staff Contact:
Brittany Gillia, Historic Preservation Officer, Community Planning & Economic Development, 360.753.8427
Presenter(s):
Brittany Gillia, Historic Preservation Officer
Bill Cotter, Olympia Heritage Commission Member
Background and Analysis:
Each year in May, the City of Olympia celebrates our local history and heritage by declaring May to be Heritage Month. Throughout the year, the Olympia Heritage Commission (OHC) is partnering with local heritage organizations and communities to offer educational programming and community engagement.
Preservation Month began in 1973 with the National Trust for Historic Preservation as 'National Preservation Week'. In 2005, the National Trust extended the celebration to the entire month of May and declared it Preservation Month to provide local preservation groups, state historical societies, and businesses and civic organizations across the country an even greater opportunity to celebrate the diverse and unique heritage of our country's cities and states.
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is using this milestone to reflect on our nation's past and honor the contributions of all Americans and look ahead...
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