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Dear Senator/Representative,

I am writing to express my strong support for fully funding the Heritage Capital Projects (HCP) program at $10 million for the 2025-2027 biennium. This essential program ensures that Washington’s historical and cultural sites receive the investment needed to preserve, enhance, and make accessible the places that tell our shared history.

For nearly 30 years, the HCP program has provided vital funding for capital projects that safeguard our heritage, support local economies, and create spaces for public engagement. Projects funded through HCP—ranging from historic building restorations to new community spaces—enhance our state's cultural infrastructure while leveraging significant matching funds. For the upcoming cycle, $10 million in state funding will generate $36.5 million in additional investment, ultimately providing a $60.9 million economic impact statewide and nearly $5 million in local sales tax revenue.

Among the 19 projects recommended for funding, I would like to highlight the Jefferson County Historical Society’s (JCHS) Newly Imagined Museum of Art + History, ranked #10 in merit and need. Located in Port Townsend’s historic 1892 City Hall, this museum has been a cultural resource for our region since 1951. The project will transform the museum into a fully accessible, inclusive, and engaging space that reflects the diverse stories of Jefferson County’s past and present.

JCHS is requesting $268,550 to support critical infrastructure upgrades, including:

Permanent fixtures and family-friendly spaces to enhance the visitor experience.

• New interpretive panels presenting inclusive, well-researched histories.

• Multi-sensory audio-visual systems to create an engaging, immersive experience.

• Exterior signage designed in compliance with local historic preservation standards.

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Since 2018, JCHS has been working to broaden its storytelling approach, ensuring that all voices—Indigenous, immigrant, labor, and underrepresented communities—are reflected in the museum’s exhibitions. The Newly Imagined Museum of Art + History will move beyond traditional narratives to offer truthful, engaging, and community-driven history.

The Heritage Capital Projects program is an indispensable resource for communities like ours, where local funding alone cannot cover the costs of preserving and adapting historic spaces for modern audiences. Without full funding, crucial projects—including JCHS’s museum transformation—will face delays or reductions, limiting their impact on education, tourism, and community engagement.

I urge you to fully fund the Heritage Capital Projects program at $10 million to support these invaluable efforts across Washington State. This investment will preserve our cultural heritage, stimulate local economies, and create more inclusive spaces where history is accessible to all.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to Washington’s history and communities.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Affiliation or City]