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Lacey historical commission approves 2025 accomplishments; museum move set for Jan. 15 and museum budget included in city proposal
Summary
The commission approved its 2025 accomplishments to present to city council, heard a museum-curator update that private preview tours begin in December with a Jan. 15 public opening, and learned the city manager’s proposed 2026 budget includes $435,517 for museum operations and two $5,000 program requests that were approved.
The Lacey Historical Commission approved its draft list of 2025 accomplishments and received updates on the museum move, upcoming programs and the proposed 2026 museum budget.
Staff presented highlights to share at a joint commission–city council session in January, including a new historic kiosk at the Regional Athletic Complex, progress on the Bowker House review, museum acquisitions, and groundwork for nominating the Jacob Smith House to the local register. Commissioner Dave Shipley moved to accept the 2025 accomplishments and the commission voted to approve the list.
Museum update: The museum curator said staff and facilities crews have been preparing for a move to a new museum space; private preview tours for commissioners and department staff are scheduled in early December and the public opening is set for Jan. 15. Staff also previewed a December 18 history talk on tribal sovereignty and encouraged commissioners to register for preview tours.
Budget: The department director told commissioners the city manager proposed a 2026 operating budget for the museum of $435,517. Three program improvement requests were noted: a $5,000 museum‑store inventory request (approved), a $5,000 interpretive marker request (approved), and a TBD potential fundraising-contract amount (included as a placeholder requiring further specification).
Why it matters: The museum move and budget decisions determine when and how the public can access the museum collection and exhibits. Approval of the accomplishments establishes the commission’s priorities ahead of the joint council work session in January.
What’s next: Staff will finalize presentation materials for the Jan. 13 joint session with council, schedule the commissioner museum tour (Dec. 3 was proposed for a commission tour), and coordinate budget and fundraising work in the coming months.
