The Office of the Washington Secretary of State has launched a new lobby exhibit in the Legislative Building. Launched on Jan. 29, it commemorates the contributions and history of the Washington National Guard.
Assembled in partnership with the Washington National Guard, “Of the community, For the community: The Washington National Guard since 1883” celebrates the stories of Washington’s citizen-soldiers and airmen.
The exhibit is available for public viewing in the lobby of the Office of the Secretary of State. It is the latest project designed to build tangible connections between people and the past by bringing the history and culture of Washington state directly to the public, according to a news release from the secretary of state’s office.
“It is our obligation to make the history of Washington available to the people, and the National Guard is an instrumental part of that history,” Secretary of State Steve Hobbs stated in the news release. “Our service members have been, and continue to be, critical in contributing to Washington’s history and culture.”
Hobbs also serves as a lieutenant colonel in the Washington Army National Guard.
Developed and curated by Washington National Guard Command Historian Dr. Jim Perrin, “Of the community, For the community” traces the history of the Guard from first muster in 1883 to now.
The exhibit spans nearly a century and a half of service to the people of Washington state, from historic domestic activations, to major military wars and campaigns, to the strategic programs that foster relationships worldwide.
“I’m appreciative for the Secretary of State’s partnership in helping us tell the Guard’s story,” said Washington National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh. “It’s important for the people to know and understand the contributions, sacrifice, and constant dedication of our service members for the betterment of Washingtonians and the nation.”
Through stories, artifacts and firsthand accounts from individual Washingtonians during their service in the National Guard, visitors can experience history through the eyes of the people who lived it.
Their contributions include early territorial mobilizations in the late 1800s, rescue efforts during the Mount St. Helens eruption in 1980, and combat and support participation in both World Wars.
The exhibit is open to the public during regular business hours and will be displayed through 2026.
