Join with us in suporting the South Sound’s vibrant art, history & cultures!

Olympia Arts + Heritage Alliance (AHA) is working to establish a museum for arts, cultures and heritage in the heart of downtown Olympia. Your contributions will help us create a museum for exploring and sharing the history of the region, the many cultures that call South Sound home, and artwork by local artists. With your help, this new museum will be community centered: a gathering space for exhibits, programs, cultural events, lectures, festivals, meetings, performances, classes and workshops. We seek to lease the historic 1912 City Hall/Fire Station, a city-owned building at 108 State Avenue NW in the heart of downtown Olympia.

As we pursue our goal of leasing the City Hall/ Fire Station we have been providing programming and resources across the community, including:

"Our Town" (2023), hosted by the Washington Center for the Performing Art. This show featured eight paintings by Robert Chamberlain, "Sylvester's Windows," that depict  downtown Olympia during specific years in its history. The exhibition also included eight additional panels with images and text that  provides more information about the history and arts of the people who have lived in Olympia from 1841 – to 2001.

Exhibits on the historic Fire Hall Bay windows (108 State Avenue NW), highlighting local history and art for 24/7 viewing and accompanied by additional content on our website: 

“It’s the Water” (2020-2023) Historic photos, artwork, and other imagery explore how water, in all its many forms, has played a central role in the life and history of Olympia. 

“It Happened Here”  Images and text tell the story of this historic building and the site.  

“Harbor Days posters: 50th Anniversary” (2023-2024) In partnership with the South Sound Maritime Heritage Association (SSMHA), this show featured the 41 unique logos of Olympia Harbor Days, from 1983 to 2023, and four posters from the pre-logo era.

"Faces of Olympia” This curated exhibition highlights the peoples of Olympia, both past and present. It represents the diversity of our community and stories over time.

Other AHA exhibits, displays and programs share local stories and art: 

Howard Point - AHA created and installed a marker at Howard Point, honoring early business leaders Alexander and Rebecca Howard. 

Harbor House on Percival Landing: AHA created and installed informational panels marking Charles Mitchell's Flight to Freedom and Indigenous Culture and Economy on the Salish Sea.

With your support, AHA will continue to provide community-based programming and expand our outreach and engagement throughout the South Puget Sound region.

AHA Is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation registered in Washington State. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law. Use the Donate button or mail a check, made out to Olympia Arts & Heritage Alliance to:
AHA
120 State Avenue NE #154
Olympia, WA 98501

Would you like to donate through your Combined Fund Drive account? Click here. If you would like to set up a Combined Fund Drive account, email CFD.

Thank you for your support!