History
The Olympia Arts & Heritage Alliance (AHA) was founded in 2018. The intent of the alliance is to secure a facility for the purpose of housing an Olympia museum focused on Art, Culture and History/Heritage that will both be economically sustainable and foster economic development in Olympia.
2020 Olympia Procession of the Species. Each spring since 1990, Olympia has celebrated the earth and our community with colorful costumes, chalk art, and performances at the annual Procession of the Species. Held in conjunction with the biannual Artswalk, the events draw participants and spectators from the greater Puget Sound region. Photographer: Alex Kistler.
Mission
To create a museum that will be a destination and gathering place for learning about, reflecting on, and becoming inspired by Olympia’s uniquely rich arts, cultures and history. To establish a sustainable infrastructure that will ensure the collection, preservation, and dissemination of cultural resources important to the ongoing legacy of Olympia.
Vision
Olympia needs a centrally located, community-based, inclusive museum where people learn about, and celebrate the rich diversity of its arts, history, and cultures. A space that provides opportunities for everyone to deepen their understanding and appreciation of, and become inspired by the outstanding variety of local heritage and arts that continues to weave the fabric of Olympia. An arts and heritage museum will vitalize the creative and distinctive city we love.
Core Values
Innovation
Inspiring people by sharing South Sound art, cultures and heritage
Instilling curiosity, excitement and wonder in our audiences
Fostering creative and innovative thinking in our programming
Stewardship
Preserving and displaying material culture according to accepted standards
Operating in a fiscally responsible manner that ensures long term success
Allocating financial and human resources legally, ethically, and for the aims outlined in our Mission Statement
Community building
Providing a space in which the communities we serve feel comfortable
Creating collaborative partnerships with organizations and individuals
Fostering dialogue with local communities
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility
Ensuring access to our museum
Respecting and including diverse points of view
Offering opportunities for a diverse range of groups to participate in program development
Excellence
Providing high quality content of interest to our audiences
Upholding scholarly standards in curation and research
Instituting measures of success by which programs are evaluated
Annual Reports
2024 Annual Report
2023 Annual Report
2022 Annual Report
2021 Annual Report
2020 Annual Report
Non Discrimination Policy
The Olympia Arts & Heritage Alliance does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disabilities, age, status as a veteran, national origin, or any other protected classes.
The Old Capitol building and Sylvester Park, between 1905-1928. Includes a statue of Washington Governor John Rogers, author of the "Barefoot School Boy Law," that was erected in 1905. The Barefoot School Boy law, enacted in 1895 and authored by Governor John Rogers, ensured that every child in the state of Washington had the right to a free education. Rogers is honored with a statue in Olympia’s Sylvester Park, across the street from the Old Capitol Building - now home to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Photographer: Merle Junk, Susan Parish Photograph Collection, 1889-1990, Washington State Archives, Digital Archives, http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov.