What We're Saying

Well folks, it's time to bring in the harvest as I bring this brief history of the Diocese of Olympia Archives to a close. 

When I left off last week, we were just coming up on the year 1976 - a year of major importance. Not only was it the USA's bi-centennial (a little celebration which some of you may remember) but it was also the year in which the Diocese of Olympia Archives was officially established and the year in which the first archivist was appointed!! 

In 1976, with Registrar and Historiographer, Thomas E. Jessett
in attendance, the National Conference of Episcopal Historians suggested that each diocese appoint an archivist. Upon his return, Jessett made this recommendation to Bishop Robert H. Cochrane

The Rt. Rev. Robert H. Cochrane

who subsequently appointed Mrs. Peggy Hansen, Archivist for the Diocese of Olympia.  She became the first person to hold this title - not to mention the first lay person and the first woman.

Peggy Hansen, Archivist

Within a year of Hansen's appointment plans were made for an appropriate archives space in Diocesan House and she received training on archival management, arrangement and description. Materials were gathered from every nook and cranny and those records long stored at Trinity Parish were transferred to the new Archives.

Over the next few years policies and procedures were established, records organized, volunteers recruited, a support committee formed and outreach to congregations increased. With growing collections and professional attention, the Diocese of Olympia Archives became firmly established.

Then, in 1987, a fire at Diocesan House threatened the
Archives.

Jessett’s earlier call for a “ proper storage space, fireproof and meeting the standards set by archivists for such material” had only partially been met, but fortunately most of the records survived. The fire, however, served – and continues to serve - as a vivid reminder of what can happen and of the importance of guarding against such disasters.

Peggy Hansen retired in 1994 after eighteen years of dedicated service to the archival profession and I was hired as her successor.

Today, the Archives plays an integral role in the work of the Diocese of Olympia. Its resources are used to actively support the ministry and community life of the Church and to safeguard its documentary heritage – that "great and growing harvest" upon which we rely to tell the on-going story of God's work and saving love in our midst.

Now that you know the history, stay tuned for next week's post when I'll take you on a virtual tour of the Archives.

The Diocese of Olympia Archives


Diane Wells, CA
Archivist and Records Manager