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Lacey Historical Society reports membership gains, outlines fundraising plan for full-size Dr. Eder statue
Summary
The Lacey Historical Society reported rising membership and described plans and early fundraising steps to produce a full-size Dr. Eder statue, with a current fundraising target of about $50,000; the society said placement and final timing depend on city public-art policy and fundraising results.
A representative of the Lacey Historical Society updated the Lacey Historical Commission on recent activity, noting membership growth and ongoing signature projects including a proposed full-size statue of Dr. Eder.
The society's presenter said the group increased membership since spring, reporting roughly 135–140 members up from below 100 earlier, and that their annual newsletter is produced multiple times per year. The society uses interest from a previously sold property (the Gallagher House) for ongoing operating revenue while relying on interest income for operations.
On the Dr. Eder statue project, the society said it plans a full-size version and is exploring placement in the Lacey Community Center pending a city public-art policy. The society reported it has formed an advisory committee that includes members of the tribe and other local partners and said the tribe and a local capital development group have indicated support. A scale model of the statue was produced at the Lacey Makerspace; society members said the tribe's representative and others reviewed the model and provided feedback.
The society estimated a fundraising target of approximately $50,000 to cover the statue, a plinth, and an interpretive sign; presenters said that figure could increase with inflation and that the timeline for placement depends on both fundraising and the city's public-art policy, which is still under development. "We estimate that the cost Right now, we're shooting for $50,000," the society representative said.
The society also noted other projects, including work on Memorial Gardens and regular programming such as History Talks. The presenter encouraged commission members to remain engaged on project planning and said fundraising for the statue could include trustee and member donations and outreach to local service clubs and tribal partners.
No formal commission action was requested; the society's update was informational and staff indicated it is coordinating with city officials on placement policy and next steps for fundraising and public-art approval.
