A rare collection including handwritten letters of Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln will be on display Feb. 18 – 20th at the Secretary of State’s Office in the Legislative Building in Olympia.

In addition, there will be letters and artifacts related to Washington ’s first Territorial Governor Isaac Stevens, Chief Leschi and early missionary work in the Oregon territory.

“This rare and special exhibit provides us with a glimpse of the remarkable treasures visitors will experience when the Washington State Heritage Center opens in 2012,” said Secretary Reed.

“Thanks to the generosity of private collectors, Corke Hardinge and Ray and Kerri Frederick, we have the opportunity to present history in a way that most citizens would only experience by visiting the National Archives or the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. ,” said Washington State Archivist Jerry Handfield. The Hardinge and Frederick family collections on display span from 1724 to 1865.Visitors to this special event will experience history through the stories behind each artifact.

The year 2012 will mark the completion of The Washington State Heritage Center. A new home for the Washington State Archives and State Library, the Heritage Center brings forth the opportunity for all people to learn about the untold stories of Washington State . “The Washington State Heritage Center is an investment in Washington ’s people. Education inspires civic involvement and shapes effective leaders for our communities,” said Heritage Center Advisory Committee Co-Chair, Governor Dan Evans. The Heritage Center will include a K-12 Learning Center, state-of-the-art exhibits, event center, auditorium and reading room.

Event Information Feb. 18 – 20, 2008 10am – 3pm Event FREE to public The Office of the Secretary of State Legislative Building (2nd floor) Olympia, Washington