Who’s the newest Lacey Historical Commissioner?

Who’s the newest Lacey Historical Commissioner?

As of Thursday, August 14, yours truly is the newest member of the Lacey Historical Commission. My father had made me aware of the volunteer opportunity after he saw it advertised in the Olympian and I knew I couldn’t pass up a chance to be part of it!

I filled out the application on the City of Lacey’s website and got a call three weeks later from Lori Flemm, the Lacey Parks and Recreation Director. She said the mayor had narrowed down the candidates and wanted to meet with me in person. That meeting went very well, and shortly afterward Lori called me back to give me the good news. I was thrilled!

After an hour-long orientation last week, the city council meeting started and I was nominated, approved and congratulated – along with three other volunteers for different city commissions. Needless to say, I’m very much looking forward to our first meeting tomorrow…which just HAPPENS to be my birthday! Can it get any cooler than that?

By the way, you can watch video of my “acceptance speech” here. Just click on the Mayor’s Report link and scroll to time code 34:00.

Speaking of which, if you’re in the Lacey area on Wednesday, August 20, from 4-6 p.m., please stop by the Lacey Museum for our Open House. What? Didn’t know Lacey had its own museum? Well then stop by 829 Lacey Street SE and see what cool history our town has to offer. Did you know there were 11 properties listed on the city’s registry of historic places? In fact, one house (in surprisingly awesome condition) was built in the 1850’s and can be rented out for special occasions like weddings.

The Lacey Museum is located in a historic structure, originally built as a private residence in the later 1920s by Fred Russell. In the late 1940s, the building was used by the Lacey Volunteer Fire Department. After Lacey incorporated as a city in 1966, it became the first City Hall. In 1979, the decision was made to create a local museum on land donated by the Lacey Women’s Club. The building was moved from Pacific Avenue to its current location on Lacey Street. The Lacey Museum opened to the public in 1981 and has since displayed historical photographs, objects, and documents related to local heritage and Lacey history.

The museum is usually closed on Wednesdays. For those who are unable to attend the Afternoon at the Museum event on August 20, the museum will be open to the public during its normal hours of operation on Thursdays and Fridays between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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About Washington Our Home

My name is Erich Ebel and I love this state. I’ve lived on the green side as well as the brown side. I’ve navigated the rivers and climbed the mountains. I’ve fished its lakes, hiked its trails, marveled at its geology, and studied its fascinating, storied history. I’ve spent the past ten years discovering and sharing stories about Washington’s history, heritage, and culture. My blog, videos, and podcasts hold a treasure trove of interesting facts, unknown facets, and fascinating tales that help to educate the general public about the privileges of being in Washington. I’m the current chair of the City of Lacey Historical Commission, and previously served as Marketing and Communications Director for the Washington State Historical Society and Museum. I’ve been a board member for the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, and the History Insider for Scenic Washington magazine.

1 Comment

  1. Congratulations, and Happy Birthday!

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