Olympia Tumwater Foundation

06/12/2026

A place to connect. A place to belong. 💙

Area seniors are invited to gather at Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls on the second Tuesday of each month at 2:00 pm for "Twosdays @ Tumwater Falls," a free community gathering hosted by The Elderhood Senior Alliance.

Whether you'd like to stroll the trails, sit and visit with new friends, share stories, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings, this welcoming gathering is designed to bring elders together in conversation, connection, and community. Pets are welcome, too!

In a time when many seniors are experiencing isolation, these monthly gatherings offer an opportunity to feel seen, heard, and valued while enjoying one of our region's most treasured places.

📅 Second Tuesday of each month
⏰ 2:00 pm
📍 Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls
💲 Free to attend

For questions, contact Glenn Harper at [email protected] or visit https://www.elderhoodsenioralliance.org/elderhood-events/twosdays-at-tumwater-falls

We are pleased to help spread the word about opportunities that bring people together and strengthen our community.

06/11/2026

Olympia Tumwater Foundation is a 501(c)3 and operations at Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls are not publicly funded. That means we rely on donations and grants (not your tax dollars) to pay for maintenance, signage, programming, and all other aspects that support the park’s stewardship.

We’re looking to the community to build bridges from a rich past and a dynamic present into an even more welcoming, vibrant future. As a member of Friends of the Falls, your monthly donation will help ensure our beloved park is cared for and honored well into the future.

You can be the bridge! Check out this link to become a member of Friends of the Falls. 🔗 https://givebutter.com/friends-of-the-falls

06/10/2026

History came to life for residents of Bonaventure Senior Living during a recent visit to the Schmidt House as part of Olympia Tumwater Foundation's month-long America250 celebration!

Guests explored fascinating exhibits, learned about life in colonial America, handled replica artifacts, and even tried on tricorn hats. Special thanks to members of the Sons of the American Revolution and Daughters of the American Revolution for sharing their knowledge and helping make the experience memorable.

We're grateful to the residents and staff of Bonaventure for joining us and to Veronica Haworth, Bonaventure Activity Director, for capturing these wonderful photos.

06/09/2026

You've spent quality time at the falls, made lasting memories, and reflected on it all in the roar of its water. You tossed a stone into the flow, saw a family of otters splashing their way through, and watched the salmon run. All the while, those friends saw you at the park too, enjoying all it has to offer.

Now we’re calling on you to help us flow into exciting changes at the park! Upcoming renovations, native plant revival, and so much more are on the horizon.

Show your support by becoming a member of Friends of the Falls with a monthly donation today

🔗

By Olympia-Tumwater Foundation

06/08/2026

From the curator: Remember this turquoise-tiled fountain? Believe it or not, it still exists today. While the urn and statues are long gone, the fountain remains, now nestled beneath a blanket of ivy.

06/06/2026

The roses are so fragrant! Stop by the Schmidt House and check them out. Ahhhhhhh.

06/05/2026

We celebrated academic achievement, community involvement, and future leadership during our 2026 Scholarship Awards Ceremony on June 3 at the historic Schmidt House, awarding a total of $105,000 in scholarships to 17 outstanding students from across Thurston County.

Scholarships were presented by Katie Schmidt Hurley, Olympia Tumwater Foundation Board Member and Education Committee Chair, during the ceremony.

Read more here: https://olytumfoundation.org/olympia-tumwater-foundation-awards-98000-in-scholarships-to-17-thurston-county-students/

06/04/2026

Did you know?
Since 2016, the Foundation has proudly published the 𝑇ℎ𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑦 𝐻𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝐽𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑙, a triannual print publication celebrating our community’s rich history.
You can find back issues here:
https://laceyparks.org/lacey-museum/thurston-county-historical-journal/

06/04/2026

This Thursday! History Talk at the Schmidt House with Art Dolan

📍 Schmidt House | 330 Schmidt Pl SW, Tumwater
📅 Thursday, June 4, 2026
🕛 Noon (Doors open at 11:30 AM)

“The History of Our Flag” features Art Dolan of the Sons of the American Revolution presenting a lively and interactive program exploring the evolution of the Stars and Stripes from the late 1700s to today.

Using actual historic flags, Art will share surprising stories and little-known facts about America’s red, white, and blue that may change the way you see Old Glory.

A special thank you to Art for graciously stepping in for our previously scheduled speaker.

Free to attend
First come, first seated until room capacity is reached

Questions? Contact Karen Johnson, Curator
[email protected]
360-890-2299

06/02/2026

Changes are coming, and we want you to be part of them! We’re thrilled to announce Friends of the Falls, a new membership program for anyone who loves our park.

The Olympia Tumwater Foundation warmly welcomes you to become a member of Friends of the Falls by contributing a recurring monthly donation. As a member, you’ll be a part of stewarding this community space into its next phase of growth. Even one droplet goes a long way. To learn more and explore membership tiers, visit our website.

By Olympia-Tumwater Foundation