Out of Many, One
- Katarina Volchek
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
Washington State, America250 Out of Many, One
About
As part of Washington State’s commemoration of America250, Out of Many, One (OMO) is an initiative by the Washington State Historical Society inviting museums to partner with their communities to identify and exhibit an object, image, or artwork from their collections that reflects the American experience. Items selected by participating organizations will be represented on the Society's interactive online map and be displayed in their local community throughout the summer of 2026.
OMO inspires Washingtonians to explore the variety of American experiences through the lens of local communities across our state. The program is designed to help participating organizations like Issaquah History Museums engage with the public on Washington’s America250 themes, generate enthusiasm for local history, and broaden their audiences for future programming.
What are your community’s shared values or unique qualities?
What from your collection reflects these things?
Narrowing it Down
IHM staff narrowed it down to five America250 themes and five Issaquah values.
America250 Theme | Issaquah Value |
Liberty | Female Empowerment |
Labor & Protest | Mining History |
Resilience | Entrepreneurial Spirit |
Service | Community Service |
Landscape | The Origins of 'Issaquah |
Help Us Select
Now we would like you to help us choose our submittal to this program. The selected image will be included in Washington State’s America 250 Out of Many, One online map. The theme, value, and image will also be displayed in the Issaquah Depot Museum this summer.
Female Empowerment
We chose former Mayor Stella Alexander to represent this theme. Elected in 1932, Stella Alexander was Issaquah’s first female mayor. A controversial figure, Alexander clashed with other city officials as she tried to shake things up in Issaquah.
We will delve deeper into her story if we exhibit the photo this summer.
Mining History
We chose to highlight the 1891 mining strike. The mining industry was an essential part of Issaquah's (at that time Gilman's) history, but it was a very tumultuous industry. Miners worked in terrible conditions, and the pay was low. During the strike, there were concerns of rioting and violence. The State Militia was brought in to maintain peace.
We will tell the story of this strike if we exhibit the photo this summer.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
We chose to highlight W. W. Sylvester to represent entrepreneurial spirit. Originally the Depot’s third station agent, Sylvester opened up Issaquah’s first bank and insurance agency. He also installed a telegraph tower on his bank for private communications. An entrepreneur himself, Sylvester helped others start businesses.
We will tell the story of W. W. Sylvester’s business success in Issaquah if we exhibit the photograph this summer.
Community Service
We chose to highlight the Volunteer Fire Department. An essential part of Issaquah's early civic life—from protecting homes and businesses to establishing the town’s first baseball team and rallying community spirit—the IVFD's impact can still be seen today. We wouldn’t have Memorial Park without them.
We will tell stories about the IVFD’s early years and their baseball team if we exhibit the photo this summer.
The Origins of ‘Issaquah’
Issaquah’s name comes from the Lushootseed ‘sqʷawx̌,’ once applied to the lake, river, valley, and mountain. Only Squak Mountain still carries it, but the name Issaquah—seen here on this early Depot photo with the namesake mountain in the background—continues to link our community to the land and the first peoples who shaped it.
We will tell the origins of the name ‘Issaquah’ if we exhibit the photo this summer.
Help Us Choose!
- Female Empowerment
- Mining History
- Entrepreneurial Spirit
- Community Service
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