June 2024

Happenings

Events

Party at the Schmidt House for a Good Cause!

Summer at the Schmidt is a new fundraising event series for OTF in partnership with the City of Tumwater Arts Program!


This year's Summer at the Schmidt events will be held on July 18th, and August 8th, 2024. Both events have their own fun theme, and will have themed food and entertainment. Ticket proceeds benefit local community art or music organizations/ programs in need of support.

Speakeasy Garden Party


The July event, a Speakeasy Garden Party, will fund a new scholarship to be added into our Early Learning Grant Program - a music grant for K-12 Tumwater School District music educators who need funding for purchasing instruments and supplies.

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Midsummer Night's Dream Faire



The August event, a Midsummer Night's Dream Faire, will benefit the Procession of the Species organization. Many of the artists in the organization reside and work in Tumwater as well as Olympia, they are iconic in the local community.

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Riverwalk Tours are a great way to learn about Tumwater's history, and hear some great stories while enjoying a walk in nature.

Riverwalk Tours Have Arrived for the Summer!


Join us in Brewery Park to learn about the cultural, industrial, and ecological history of the Deschutes River Canyon and Tumwater Falls! Each tour begins at the Brewery Park office at 5pm, will last about 45 minutes, and take attendees along the 1/2 mile loop trail in the park. All ages are welcome! Don Trosper, local award-winning historian, will be your guide. Make sure to bring sunscreen and water!


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Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls

Ivy Cleanup in Brewery Park


For years, we have been fighting to keep the pervasive ivy out of Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls and away from resident native plants. The foundation recently received a grant from the Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) to provide a professional crew to remove ivy and restore native plants in the park. If you see them, say hi!


Our All American Man


Congratulations to the foundation's caretaker, Jose Guzman, who became a US citizen on June 18th! Jose maintains Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls and the historic Schmidt House.

Patrons of the Park


This month's patrons of the park are Jazz (left), Bear (right), and their owner Neveiah! Jazz is a 4.5 year old Chihuahua mix, and her friend is Bear the Pug! Bear just turned one year old (happy birthday, Bear!), and what better place to spend a beautiful afternoon together than in Tumwater Falls.

New Hats Have Arrived in the OTF Giftshop!


You've seen the grey and black baseball caps in our giftshop, but have you seen our sleek new all-black design? These low-profile caps are sure to complement any outfit - and bring Tumwater Falls wherever you go! The Brewery Park gift shop is open M-F from 10-5, located in the park office! Come see an array of posters, apparel, and more! All proceeds benefit Brewery Park's maintenance and improvement fund.

Online Shop

The Schmidt House

Tour the Schmidt House



The next tour of the Schmidt House is scheduled for August 6th from 11am-12:30pm.

Join us for a guided tour of one of Tumwater’s most iconic homes, the Schmidt House, built in 1904 for Leopold Schmidt, founder of the Olympia Brewing Company and his family. Your Tour Guide will take you through four levels of the house from the basement (which houses our archives) to the top floor. Find yourself immersed in the rich history Tumwater has to offer. Doors will open at 10:45am. Please note: The first floor is ADA accessible, but the rest of the house requires climbing stairs.

Repainting is Complete


You can't miss the stunning transformation if you've been to the Schmidt House lately. After a meticulous process of heating and scraping a century of paint down to the bare wood, the house boasts a fresh, vibrant paint job on the lower level. She's never looked better—come by and see for yourself!


Host Your Wedding at the Schmidt House


We are offering the Schmidt House as a wedding venue again in 2024! Limited bookings per year are available, so inquire as soon as possible to reserve your booking!

Learn more

News

It's Hot in Tumwater Falls!


It's heating up this month - make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen on your visits to Brewery Park. If you need to cool down there is a water fountain behind the office building near the bathrooms! You can also do some wading in the waterfall pools along the western side of the loop trail.


From The Curator

A Bearded Celebration


This caricature of Peter G. Schmidt, former Olympia Brewing Co. president, was created around 1946. That year, Tumwater celebrated its 100th anniversary, and men in town were encouraged to grow beards during the town’s “Pioneer Days” celebration.


Want to see more photos like this?

Explore the history of the Tumwater area through vintage photos! In 2020, OTF was awarded a grant from the Thurston County Historic Commission. This grant allowed OTF to digitize over 4,400 images from its collection. We are still actively adding more photos so make sure to check back regularly!

OTF Historic Photos Archive

Karen Johnson, Schmidt House Curator.

Don't forget to check out our website!

Visit our Website

110 Deschutes Parkway SW, Tumwater, WA 98501  •  +1 (360) 943-2550


https://olytumfoundation.org/

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