April to June 2008

Programs

North America’s Great Ape: The Sasquatch
Saturday, May 3, 2008 @ 1 PM

Wildlife biologist Dr. John Bindernagel takes a look at the continent’s most misunderstood large mammal as he speak about his more than 30 years experience studying Bigfoot. He is the author of “North America's Great Ape: The Sasquatch.” Bindernagel’s work highlights some 150 Sasquatch reports and compares them with similar reports of great apes in Africa and Asia. He focuses on the behavior of Sasquatch, including its response to human presence. His field work consists of evidence gathered in the mountains of Vancouver Island, and the ecological questions surrounding the life of a great North American ape. The presentation will be preceded by a book signing hosted by the State Capital Museum Store from 10 AM to NOON. For cost and to purchase tickets, please call the State Capital Museum at 360/753-2580.

Kayaking Alone: Adventure on the Columbia River
Thursday, May 8, 2008 @ 7 PM

In conjunction with the bicentennial commemoration of land geographer David Thompson’s exploration of the Columbia River, the State Capital Museum presents author Mike Barenti speaking about his solo kayak journey down the famous river. In the resulting book, “Kayaking Alone: Nine Hundred Miles from Idaho's Mountains to the Pacific Ocean,” Barenti writes about the life-changing experiences he had on the two-month, nine-hundred mile journey he took in the summer of 2001. He will speak about this adventure and sign copies of the book during the evening program. Barenti is a writer and journalist who has worked for the Yakima Herald-Republic and the Idaho Falls Post Register. Admission to this public program is FREE.

Beginnings: The Origins of Fort Nisqually and Euro-American Settlement on Puget Sound
Monday, June 2, 2008 @ 12 NOON

This year marks the 175th anniversary of Fort Nisqually, the first European American settlement on Puget Sound. Come learn about its origins in an illustrated lecture by historian Drew Crooks. The program will discuss the reasons for the establishment of Fort Nisqually in 1833 by the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) of London, the post's earliest days under the leadership of various HBC officers, and the stability it achieved by the late 1830s. Crooks will conclude with a look at the ongoing legacy of Fort Nisqually, a historic outpost that changed the history of Southern Puget Sound forever. Admission to this public program is FREE.

Exhibit

Giants in the Mountains: The Search for Sasquatch
Now through September 2008

This exhibit explores the Sasquatch mystery and focuses on the Pacific Northwest environment which has created a rich setting for the traditional beliefs that have grown up around these beings. Scientific explanations, hoaxes and popular cultural interpretations about Bigfoot are tackled. Tribal artifacts, artwork, and physical evidence collected in the field by anthropologist Dr. Grover Krantz are on display. Organized by the Washington State Historical Society.

The State Capital Museum and Outreach Center is located in the historic Lord Mansion, seven blocks south of the capital campus in Olympia, at 211 21st Avenue SW. The museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history and culture of Washington and features two floors of exhibits. The building also houses outreach programs of the Washington State Historical Society, including the Women's History Consortium, Heritage Resource Center, National History Day and Traveling Exhibits Service. For more information, please contact the State Capital Museum and Outreach Center at 360/753-2580 or visit our web site, WashingtonHistory.org.

HOURS: Wednesday – Saturday, 11 AM – 3 PM. ADMISSION: $5 for families; $2 for adults; $1.75 for seniors; $1 for youth 6 – 18 years old; children age 5 and below, and members are always FREE.

Contact:
Susan Rohrer
State Capital Museum
360/586-0166
srohrer@wshs.wa.gov