Bigelow House, Olympia, Washington, 1866
 

Bigelow House Museum
Olympia’s Oldest Home — Built by 1860


 
 
 
 
 

Bigelow House Preservation Association

Formed in 1991, the Bigelow House Preservation Association (BHPA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preservation of Bigelow House and interpretation of its significance to local and regionalhistory.

BHPA purchased the house from Daniel and Mary Ann Bigelow, the builder’s grandson and his wife, in 1994.  In 1994-95, the BHPA undertook a massive restoration of the House.   Lost features were restored to reflect its original 1860s exterior appearance and its interiorwas restored to reflect its territorial-era layout.  The house also recieved structural upgrades to accommodate its use into the Twenty-First Century. In 1995 Bigelow House opned its doors as a museum, showcasing authentic Bigelow family artifacts and documents tracing the family's history as well as the history of Olympia, Washington State, and the Pacific Northwest.

The purchase of Bigelow House also included an unusual life-estate contract clause.  Bigelow family members lived in private rooms within the house  even as the ground floor was open to public tours.  With the end of the life-estate contract in 2005, Bigelow House now functions as Olympia's community museum, hosting tourists, researchers, and group functions.
 
 
 

2007 Board:


Honorary Boardmembers:


Staff


 

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Updated15 February 2007