Olympia submits grant application to DAHP for historic preservation efforts 

The City of Olympia submitted a grant application to the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) to support its historic preservation efforts. 

Historic Preservation Officer Brittany Gillia shared an update about the grant application with the Olympia Heritage Commission at a meeting on Aug. 26. 

Gillia detailed the various projects that the grant money would go toward. It would cover the costs of educational and outreach efforts, particularly with the printing of education materials. The materials would also inform residents about city programs and local processes as they relate to historic preservation. 

Gillia said around half of the planned materials are already designed, including brochures for walking tours. New designs would have to be made to explain updates to the city’s historic preservation code, such as changes or additions to historic districts. 

The funds would also cover the printing costs of a history zine, which contains information and publicly submitted artwork.  

Gillia said the city also applied for funds to continue an ongoing home maintenance information series. The money would afford the city the ability to reserve a venue, secure a sponsor and purchase demonstration materials. 

It would also support city officials as they attend the PLACES Conference, a statewide conference organized by DAHP and Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, and support Gillia when she attends a field school next year. She said the goal is also to one day send a commissioner if the experience proves valuable. 

Gillia said the city will make a presentation to DAHP’s grant selection committee on Friday, Sept. 4.