Historic Buildings

Lacey Historical Museum

The primary mission of the Lacey Museum is to collect, interpret, and display historical materials that illustrate the history of the Lacey area in all periods of its development. In a changing community, the Lacey Museums works to preserve and interpret Lacey history and identity. Through exhibits, educational programs, and research archives, the museum tells the story of Lacey's past, present, and future.

History

The Lacey Museum is located in an historic structure originally built in 1926 by Fred Russell as a private residence. In the late 1940s the building was used by the Lacey Volunteer Fire Department, and was later used as city hall when Lacey was incorporated as a city in 1966. City government outgrew the facility, and by 1979 the decision was made to create a local museum on land donated by Lacey Women's Club. The building was moved, and in 1981 the Lacey Museum opened to the public.

Artifacts Collections

Local history photographs, furnishings, utensiles.

For more information, please visit www.museumsusa.org/museums/info/1157845.

Jacob Smith House

This civil war-era structure, constructed in 1859, is the oldest residence in Lacey and one of the oldest homes in Thurston County. It features a spectacular view of Mt. Rainier and park-like grounds with a gazebo. Available for rental for special events. Located at 4500 Intelco Loop SE.

For information, call Lacey Parks at (360) 491-0857, or browse to www.ci.lacey.wa.us.

St. Martin’s College and Abbey

Founded in 1895 by the Catholic Benediction Order. Historic, ivy-covered Old Main is home to the Capozzolo Art Gallery. A self-guided tour brochure is available at the Campus Information Center. Located adjacent to the Old Lacey Historic District at Pacific Avenue and Franz Street.

Call (360) 491-4700, or go to www.stmartin.edu/about/tour/index.htm.

Washington State Capitol

The Washington State Capitol stands on a hill overlooking the southern tip of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, for which the city was named. Designed in a mixture of Roman, Greek and neo Classical style made popular by the "City Beautiful" movement of the late 1800's, it is often compared to our nation’s Capitol. Constructed between 1922 and 1928, the Capitol Building houses the Washington State Legislature as well as the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and Treasurer.

Visitors are invited year round to visit the Capitol Campus and enjoy the more than 30 landscaped acres decorated with seasonal floral displays. Guided tours of the Legislative Building are offered seven days a week, every hour on the hour between 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. Brochures and self-guided materials are available at the Visitor Information Center and at tour information desks located on the 1st and 2nd floors of the Legislative Building.

The Visitor Center assists visitors with information related to government offices, City of Olympia, local events, and tourism. For information please call 360-586-3460. To get to a diagonal parking lane, drive through the "Capitol Way" intersection and bear slightly to the right.

For more information, visit www.ga.wa.gov/visitor/visitor.htm.