Photo by Emily Matthiessen, Sequim Gaztte

https://www.sequimgazette.com/life/protector-of-past-present-and-future-nohcs-brownell-helps-preserve-highlight-peninsulas-culture/

The North Olympic History Center has been awarded a SHARP General Operating Support Grants from Humanities Washington! SHARP operating support grants for volunteer-run organizations are intended for humanities-focused organizations with an all-volunteer staff that have a track record of humanities programming and have been adversely impacted by the pandemic. This award will support general operating expenses and/or specific humanities projects at the Center. 

Humanities Washington was founded in 1973 "to open minds and bridge divides by creating spaces to explore different perspectives." Humanities WA is an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, but are an independent 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization serving over 60,000 people in over a hundred communities throughout Washington State each year through our programs and partnerships.

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Donate to NOHC Today!

Donate to NOHC Today!

Early this summer, the North Olympic History Center was awarded a Heritage Grant by the Board of County Commissioners. The amount of the grant, $17,500, will largely fund the  "Cloud Project". This major initiative will convert much of our archival and records collections into digital format.

The first element of the project was to select the software program to be used. There are few programs that closely compete with Past Perfect Museum Software. Since 2012, NOHC has used Past Perfect museum software to catalog the archival collection of approximately 13,000 items. Only recently has Past Perfect been undated to become web-based, meaning that any computer with an internet connection can be used to input information into the database, and ultimately to perform searches on that data. This is important to facilitate work other than on a local computer server. Of significance is that data is backed up remotely and cannot be lost in the event of a local catrastrophic event.

After making the decision to use Past Perfect Web-based edition, the need to "cleanse" the current database became imperative to eventually convert to the Past Perfect Web Edition. Cleansing entails fixing broken links, removing obsolete and out of date records, and other technical issues. This process was begun in late spring and is expected to be complete in early fall. In the meantime, new computer equipment is being purchased in preparation of transitioning to the new web-based program and inputing data.

We are extremely grateful for our volunteer, Eve Datisman, for working on "Cleansing the database."

Until now, researchers have had to come to the NOHC Research Library, or correspond to have questions on local history answered. The artifact collection was accessible only to those willing to make special arrangements. The Cloud Project will provide access to much of our collection on-line. The public will be able to search various categories to find items of interest. In this way, the collection will be accessible to anyone with access to the internet.

After the databas cleanse is complete, and the web-based software is tested, the major project of adding records into the database will begin. This will be a never-ending project as objects and records of historical significance are continually added to the collections. Eventually, the on-line collection can be used to develop exhibits for a virtual museum.

As the project develops, we will be recruiting volunteers to perform most of the work. If you would like more information, contact us by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 360-452-2662.

As of Tuesday, Augut 10, 2021, the NOHC Research Library is open for visitors on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, and otherwise by arrangement. Considering concerns for Covid variants, we request that you wear a mask during your visit. Contact the center to ensure that staff will be present upon your arrival

Research requests can be made by sendin an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or by calling the center at 360-452-2662.

Your Historical Society connects you:

• To the rich history of Clallam County with educational programs like History Tales and other events
• Honors personal histories by collecting, preserving, and sharing
• Makes history a family affair with the Hands on History Program for students in grades 6 - 12
• Helps you find the answers to your questions with a staffed Research Library
• Makes history accessible with programs featuring the collectoin's artifacts

Join us and get connected! 

When you buy from AmazonSmile, 0.5% of every purchase is contributed to the charitable organization of your choice. It's easy and costs you nothing. Just use smile.amazon.com when you shop (instead of amazon.com) and select North Olympic History Center as the organization you will support.

We encourage you to always shop local first!

North Olympic History Center (formerly Clallam County Historical Society) is a 501(c)(3) organization. By selecting North Olympic History Center through AmazonSmile, you will support programs that preserve and teach local history.

Thank you!

The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe and North Olympic History Center have partnered to bring you the "Learning Our Landscape" presentation series exploring the rich history, culture, and environment of the North Olympic Peninsula. Join us on the second Thursday of the month at 3 p.m. on Zoom as we use the tools of modern science, tribal ecological knowledge, and history to gain a better understanding and appreciation of this remarkable and resilient landscape. 

We hope that in-person presentations will return later this year, but Zoom will continue into our future to make access available to those who might not otherwise be able to attend. As the date of each event approachs, details including time and location will be posted on our Home Page. Friend us on Facebook to get notices in your media stream.

For further information about any of our events, please call the North Olympic History Center at 360-452-2662 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..