Virginia's smile lights up a meeting of the NOHC Board on September 8, 2014.

From Left to Right: Irene Wyman, Laurie Davies, Gary Braun, Virginia Fitzpatrick, Charlie Smith, Kay Seed, John Hubbard, Jim Moran, Kathy Rankin, Jim Rankin, Sandy Keys, Bill Barrett, Nancy Lang, Kathy Estes, Adria Fuhrman.  

The recent passing of Virginia Fitzpatrick marks the end of a lifetime of generosity and behind the scenes work that benefited us all in the past, present and future. She actively served the Clallam County Historical Society (now the North Olympic History Center) for a total of half a century. She felt strongly that board members should bring something positive to the table. One of her favorite remarks was that the board didn’t need “nice little old ladies.”

Virginia Fitzpatrick was always one to say “thank you.” She stepped up to the plate when she saw the need. As a founding member of the local genealogy society, it was natural for her to see how genealogy and history blended. She joined the Historical Society and worked tirelessly for the blended organization. When the museum manager quit and there was no money to pay a new one, Virginia volunteered her time and money to keep the museum’s goals progressing. She worked with county officials, volunteers, and the public for the benefit of all. In 1989, she was chosen as one of the finalists for Citizen of the Year award. Her only regret for not being chosen was “not being able to publicly thank all the people who created the museum” and who made her nomination possible.

There are few members left that remember those golden years with Virginia and Mike Fitzpatrick volunteering at the Courthouse and at Lincoln School. You could find Mike on the fire truck ladder replacing windows in Lincoln School or out mowing the lawn. Virginia continued working with and for the North Olympic History Center long after she could no longer come to the facility. She was always on call.

We will miss her, and we are richer for having known her.

Photo by Emily Matthiessen, Sequim Gaztte

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

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In early summer of 2021, 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.

A major first step, "cleansing" the existing database was completed early in 2022. Cleansing is the term used for the process of correcting duplicate records, rectifying inconsistencies, and otherwise preparing the database for use with the new web-based system.

The web-based software is presently being tested and the conversion to the new system put on-line for public access by June 1st. At that time, new records will be added to the database. 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.

On June 4, Executive Director David Brownell will make a presentation at Peninsula College at their Studium Generale. Watch for an announcement about this event.

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.

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!

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Look for the Clallam County Historical Society, (also known as the North Olympic Cultural Resource Center), on Facebook--you do not have to be a 'member' of Facebook to see our posts. However, if you are a member, and 'Like' us, you will receive notice of current events in your Facebook news feed. We post all current events there so that you get up to the minute information. Also, we feature many interesting items such as photos from our historic collections.

We have a separate Facebook page strictly related to Clallam County Old Time News which provides links to long-out-of-print newspapers, articles and images that provide a contemporaneous look at the history and culture of Clallam County. Check out Clallam County Old Time News at: https://www.facebook.com/clallamcountyoldtimenews

We hope you will 'Like' us and invite your friends to check us out as well.