Book Discussion Series
The State Capital Museum presents a book discussion series featuring the following authors
and titles. For more information, please call 360-753-2580.
June: Deborah Madison, Local Flavors: Cooking and Eating from America’s Farmers’ Markets
Uncovering Mount Rainier’s Geologic History: The Beauty and the Hazards
July 13 @ 7 PM
Museum Coach House
Admission is FREE with suggested donation of $2.00
Formerly a geologist for the US Geological Survey’s Cascades Volcano Observatory and
Department of Natural Resources, and presently an Earth sciences professor, Patrick Pringle will
present the latest information on the volcanic processes past and present in
the Pacific Northwest. Based on his 2008 work, "Roadside Geology of Mount Rainer National
Park and Vicinity," Pringle’s book describes in 15 different road logs the geologic history
and setting of Mount Rainier.
Illustrated with more than 290 photos and drawings, many of them historic, this book is the
perfect companion to your Mount Rainier hiking and camping expedition. Bring your questions
for Professor Pringle and stay after the illustrated presentation for a book signing with the
author.
Movies at the Mansion
Photo of historic Lord Mansion from 1950.
(Washington State Historical Society)
This outdoor film series features classics of American cinema at
the State Capital Museum, home of the historic Lord Mansion. Evenings begin with a short
commentary on the history and importance of each film, presented by a local film expert.
Set-up on the Museum's front lawn, bring a lawn chair and warm blanket. Refreshments available
for purchase. Museum galleries and store open one hour prior to show time.
This summer film series is presented with support from the City of Olympia.
August 7, 14, 21, 28 @ 9 p.m.
Admission is FREE with a suggested donation of $2.00
August 7 - "Casablanca"
One of the most memorable of all film experiences, "Casablanca" is a true Hollywood legend.
All the elements of the production—story, cast, photography, direction, and music—are woven
expertly together to create a motion picture monument. Wartime refugees gather in Morocco to
obtain scarce exit visas to Lisbon. The final airport sequence is an event not to be forgotten.
August 14 - "Arsenic and Old Lace"
Examine the set and costumes depicting America post World War I, in this madcap comedy
from Frank Capra. Harried theater critic played by Cary Grant, is astounded to learn what his
kindly, elderly aunts have been serving their lonely gentlemen boarders-wine laced with poison.
A blend of the bizarre and mundane based on a hit Broadway play, this early film is a classic,
frenzied, energetic comedy-farce.
August 21 - "Cool Hand Luke"
Classic film of rebellion featuring Paul Newman in a career-making role. The film’s
anti-establishment message fit well with the mood of the 1960s in the country and was selected
for preservation in the National Film Registry in the Library of Congress, after being
designated culturally, historically or aesthetically significant by the film board in 2005.
August 28 - "The Birds"
When it was produced, the director of some of the most chilling films ever created Alfred
Hitchcock stated “It could be the most terrifying motion picture I have ever made!”
Hitchcock’s purest expression of an arbitrary universe, The Birds constitutes a prodigious
technical achievement. Under the guidance of bird trainer Ray Berwick, Hitchcock employed
thousands of real birds and his own ingenuity to create the most terrifying aspect of The Birds,
the undeniable reality of seemingly impossible events.
Recurring Public Program: Memoir Writing Group
Tuesday afternoons, 1-3 PM
cost is $6 per class or 5 classes for $24
A weekly life-writing class led by author Delores Nelson
Beginning with a small but enthusiastic group of adults, the Memoir Writing Group at the State
Capital Museum has been meeting regularly for nearly two years. The group explores the past
through writing and assembling their memoirs. Lead by Delores Kelso Nelson, a writer and teacher
in the Olympia area for over 15 years, the memoir class serves participants by igniting lost memories,
supporting practicing memoir writers, and offering a chance to socialize.
More Information