State semiquincentennial committee sets tentative March 2 Olympia event, leans on local partners

Interim director Nicholas Van, chairing on behalf of the Washington State Historical Society, opened the committee’s informational meeting and said the group would proceed without a quorum and would not take formal votes.

The committee set a tentative program for March 2, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Secretary of State’s Office on the Capitol campus in Olympia. Staff described plans for a ribbon cutting, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and remarks from elected leaders, and asked committee members to attend when the schedule is finalized. "We'll be at the Capitol Building at the Secretary of State's Office, in Olympia," Van said.

Committee staff and members emphasized that the Olympia event is intended to be the committee’s primary on-the-ground presence for the commemorative year and that most other activities will be locally organized by partner organizations throughout the state. Jay (staff) said the decision to concentrate an on-the-ground committee program in Olympia grew from earlier planning guidance to avoid a single massive statewide event and to support local activities instead.

Staff also outlined practical details: the program is still in draft form, the committee will invite legislators, and logistics (including the lieutenant governor’s role) are being finalized. Ben Hele from the Secretary of State’s Office was present for venue questions.

The meeting was informational only; organizers said additional planning materials and a finalized program will be shared by email before the March event. The committee closed by encouraging members to register partner events, use the statewide calendar and participate in local programming leading up to July 4, 2026.