Washington State Semiquincentennial Committee
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Denny Heck, Washington’s Lieutenant Governor, serves as chair of the Semiquincentennial Committee
In addition to serving as Acting Governor when the Governor is out of the state, the Lieutenant Governor is President of the Washington State Senate and Chair of the Senate Rules Committee.
Washington State Historical Society
Represented by Nicholas Vann
Founded in 1891, the Washington State Historical Society is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and presenting Washington’s rich history.
A trustee agency of Washington State and a nonprofit membership organization, WSHS provides services to researchers, lifelong learners and partners with communities to explore how history connects us all.
Washington State Legislature
Represented by Representative Carolyn Eslick, Senator Chris Gildon, Representative Cindy Ryu, and Senator Javier Valdez.
The Washington State Legislature is composed of the State Senate and House of Representatives who serve the 49 districts of Washington.
According to the 250 Committee’s founding legislation, four legislators sit on the Committee: one member from each of the two largest caucuses in the Senate and one member from each of the two largest caucuses in the House.
Commission On African American Affairs
Represented by Keahna Umpstead
Washington’s Commission on African American Affairs serves as the official state representative of the African American community—advising the Governor, Legislature and state agencies regarding policy development and implementation. The commission also works to establish relationships with local governments and private sector organizations that promote equal opportunity for African-Americans.
Commission On Asian Pacific American Affairs
Represented by Nagheen Kamkar
A state agency that serves as a voice for Washington’s diverse Asian Pacific American communities, the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs works to ensure access to government, business, education, and more.
Department of Commerce
Represented by Shannon Halberstadt
The Washington State Department of Commerce works with local governments, Tribes, businesses, civic leaders, and organizations to strengthen Washington’s communities. Commerce is the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington, administering a diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and several state boards and commissions, all focused on helping communities achieve positive growth.
Department Of Archaeology And Historic Preservation
Represented by Dr. Allyson Brooks
The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation is Washington State’s primary agency with knowledge and expertise in historic preservation. DAHP advocates for the preservation of Washington’s irreplaceable historic and cultural resources – significant buildings, structures, sites, objects and districts – as assets for the future.
Northwest Museum Of Arts & Culture
Represented by Ellen Postlewait
The Eastern Washington State Historical Society, which operates as the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, is the largest cultural organization in the Inland Northwest. The museum preserves and cultivates the heritage of the Inland Northwest people through collections, exhibitions, and programs that bring their stories to life.
Governor's Office Of Indian Affairs
Represented by Gordon James
The Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs promotes the government-to-government relationship between the State of Washington and Indian Tribes, advocates for the social and economic betterment of all American Indians and Alaska Natives living within Washington State, and educates for a greater cultural understanding of the State’s first citizens.
Commission on Hispanic Affairs
Represented by Maria Siguenza
The Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs aids in the development of public policy and the delivery of government services to the Hispanic community, and works to establish relationships with state agencies, local governments, and the private sector.
Washington State Women's Commission
Represented by Eliza Craig
The Washington State Women’s Commission improves the life of every woman by ensuring equitable opportunities and removing systemic barriers through engagement, advocacy, and public policy, while being inclusive of our diverse populations.
Washington State Arts Commission
Represented by Karen Hanan
A state agency that advances the role of the arts in the lives of individuals and communities throughout Washington, ArtsWA promotes public value of the arts through public art, grants, Creative Districts, and arts in education.
Humanities Washington
Represented by Julie Ziegler
Founded by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in 1973, Humanities Washington is a nonprofit organization that opens minds and bridges divides through events and programs led by cultural experts, scholars, and storytellers across the state.
LGBTQ Commission
Represented by Alvaro Figueroa
The Washington State LGBTQ Commission works to improve the state’s interface with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit, and intersex community, identify the needs of its members, and ensuring that there is an effective means of advocating for LGBTQ equity in all aspects of state government.
Office Of The Superintendent Of Public Instruction
Represented by Hannah Tofte
The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction is the primary agency charged with overseeing public K–12 education in Washington state. Working with the state’s 295 public school districts and 6 state-Tribal education compact schools, OSPI allocates funding and provides tools, resources, and technical assistance so every student in Washington is provided a high-quality public education.
Office Of The Secretary Of State
Represented by Janette Gomes
The Office of the Secretary of State serves Washingtonians by safeguarding government records, documents, publications, and processes; preserving the integrity of elections; engaging the public in civic education and participation; and promoting trust by providing the public with information about corporations and charities.
Washington State Parks
Represented by Brian Considine
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission cares for and ensures public access to Washington’s most treasured lands, waters, and historic places, connecting Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage through recreational and educational experiences.
FOUNDING LEGISLATION
Established during the 2022 regular legislative session via Senate Bill 5756, Washington’s Semiquincentennial (250) Committee is chaired by Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck and administratively supported by the Washington State Historical Society.
QUARTERLY MEETINGS
Washington’s Semiquincentennial Committee provides guidance for our state’s official observance of America’s 250th and meets quarterly to discuss commemorative activities. Meetings are open to the public, and we encourage you to attend.
