Governor Jay Inslee has signed a bill sponsored by Rep. Matt Boehnke designed to help the Washington State Historical Society (Historical Society) carry out its mission. It’s Boehnke’s first bill to be signed into law.

House Bill 2837 gives explicit authority to the Historical Society to make operating grants to small heritage organizations around the state. These grants will be used to support public programming, educational programming, outreach, collections management, exhibitions, and organizational capacity building.

Founded in 1891, the Historical Society is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and vividly presenting Washington’s history. The nonprofit organization offers a variety of services to researchers, historians, scholars, and lifelong learners, and also operates the State History Research Center and the Washington State History Museum.

“As a veteran, an educator, and a lawmaker, I believe it is essential to make history as accessible as possible for all Washingtonians,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick. “House Bill 2837 will strengthen cultural and historical organizations across our state, helping them to meaningfully engage with our citizens and provide a unique and valuable experience. I am excited about the impact this bill will have for years to come. I want to thank the Historical Society and my fellow lawmakers for their support throughout the entire legislative process.”

House Bill 2837 will take effect June 10, 2020.