Background:

Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.

The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP), under the direction of the state historic preservation officer, has responsibilities under both federal and state law. For example, under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the DAHP must be consulted with respect to the impacts federal undertakings have on historic and cultural properties. This process includes arriving at agreements with proponents of a project in order for them to obtain federal approval. Other federal responsibilities of the office include administering the State Historic Preservation Program and assisting local governments to become eligible for federal grant money. The DAHP is also responsible for nominating historic places to the state and national historic registers, maintaining an inventory of historic properties and archaeological sites, maintaining a computerized mapping system, and engaging in educational outreach.

State Historical Societies.

Washington currently has two state historical societies: the Washington State Historical Society; and the Eastern Washington State Historical Society. These societies are responsible for collecting and preserving historical materials, operating state museums, planning for and conducting state historical celebrations, and promoting cultural, educational, and artistic activities related to the state's history. Fund-raising activities are undertaken for the purpose of increasing the self-support of the historical societies. Each historical society is governed by its own board of trustees and appoints its respective directors with the consent of the governor.

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (advisory council) advises the governor and the DAHP on matters relating to historic preservation; recommends measures to coordinate activities of state and local agencies, private institutions, and individuals relating to historic preservation; and reviews and recommends nomination for the national register of historic places. The advisory council is comprised of nine members, two of which are the directors of the state historical societies. The remaining members are appointed by the governor. Six are appointed based on interest and experience in matters considered by the advisory council and with backgrounds in history, architecture, and archaeology; one is a representative from the Washington archaeological community; and one is a native American.

Heritage Program.

The Heritage Program awards grants to nonprofit heritage organizations, tribal governments, and local governments to defray up to 33 percent of the capital costs of facilities that interpret and preserve Washington's history and heritage. The Washington State Historical Society (WSHS) conducts a statewide competitive grant process every two years to solicit heritage project proposals. An advisory board consisting of representatives from the Washington Museum Association, the Office of the Secretary of State, the Eastern Washington State Historical Society, and the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation establishes program guidelines and reviews and ranks project proposals.

Oral History Programs.

The Legacy Project in the Office of the Secretary of State consists of conducting oral histories of current and former state government officials and personnel, and other citizens who have participated in the political history of the state. In 2007, part of the oral history program was transferred to the Legislature. The Legislature conducts oral histories of current and former members and staff of the Legislature and other citizens who have participated in the political history of the state. Oral histories may be published and distributed to libraries, as well as offered for sale to the public.

Washington Arts Commission.

The Washington Arts Commission (arts commission) was established in 1985 to develop, sponsor, promote and administer any activity, project, or program related to the growth and development of the arts. The arts commission consists of 19 members appointed by the Governor, and two members of the Legislature, one from each chamber, from opposing parties. One-half of one percent of the construction cost of any public work is set aside for the purpose of public art to be expended by the arts commission for the acquisition of works of art. The designation of projects and sites, the selection, contracting, purchase, commissioning, reviewing of design, execution and placement, acceptance, maintenance, and sale, exchange, or disposition of works of art are the responsibility of the arts commission.

Building for the Arts.

The Building for the Arts Program awards state grants to nonprofit performing arts, art museums, and cultural organizations to defray up to 20 percent of the capital costs of new facilities or major renovations. The Department of Commerce conducts a statewide competitive grant process every two years to solicit project proposals. A citizen advisory committee, including a representative from the arts commission, assists the department by helping establish program policy and reviewing and ranking project proposals. Washington Tourism Commission.

The Washington Tourism Commission (Tourism Commission) was established in 1997 to pursue a coordinated program to expand the tourism industry throughout Washington. The Tourism Commission is responsible for development and update of a strategic plan. The strategic plan includes: promoting Washington as a tourism destination to national and international markets, including nature-based and wildlife viewing tourism; providing information to businesses and local communities on tourism opportunities that could expand local revenues; assisting local communities in strengthening their tourism partnerships; providing leadership training and assistance to local communities to facilitate the development and implementation of local tourism plans; and coordinating the development of a statewide marketing.

Film and Video Promotion.

The Department of Commerce is responsible for the promotion, marketing, and encouragement of growth in the production of films and videos, as well as television commercials within the state, including assisting in the location of a film and video production studio within the state.

Washington State Library.

The 1853 Organic Act that created the Territory of Washington provided for the establishment of a territorial library, and the state library was created shortly after statehood. The library's primary mission is serving the government's information needs. In 2002 the state library was transferred to the Office of the Secretary of State.

The state librarian is the chief executive officer manages and administers the state library functions, including:

acquiring library materials, equipment, and supplies, and assisting the Legislature, state agencies and other libraries in the cost-effective purchase of information resources;
providing advisory services to state agencies regarding information needs, and collecting and distributing copies of state publications;
promoting and facilitating electronic access to public information and services;
serving as an interlibrary loan, information, reference, and referral resource for all libraries in the state, and as the depository for newspapers published in the state;
maintaining a library to effectively provide library and information services to the Legislature, state officials and state employees;
providing for library and information services to persons throughout the state who are blind or physically handicapped, and to residents and staff of state-supported residential institutions; and
entering into agreements to implement the mission, goals, and objectives of the library, employing and terminating personnel, and providing for the sale of library material.