The Capitol Furnishings Preservation Committee was formed in 1999 by statute “to promote and encourage the recovery and preservation of the original and historic furnishings of the state capitol group” as envisioned by architects Wilder and White. The Capitol Group includes the Legislative Building, the Insurance Building, the Temple of Justice, John A. Cherberg Building, John L. O’Brien Building and the Irving Newhouse Building.

The Committee is charged with raising awareness to help prevent future loss of historic furnishings, and reviewing and advising future remodeling and restoration projects as they pertain to historic furnishings. The Committee coordinates its work with commissions, committees and tenant groups of the Capitol Group regarding the creation of a preservation plan for the furniture, fixtures, and artwork of the Capitol buildings. While the Committee’s authority does not extend to the placement of historic furnishings, Committee members conduct research and make available information on original Wilder and White designs.

The Committee helps identify and actively searches for lost furnishings. The Committee helps fund restoration and preservation of furnishings employing best practices adopted by conservationists.

The Committee provides educational information about the original and historic furnishings to Capitol Group tenants and visitors.

The Committee engages in fundraising and can accept charitable gifts, grants and donations to help with the recovery and restoration of historic furnishings.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Co-Chairs:
Gerry Alexander, Washington State Supreme Court
Scott Henderson, Office of the Insurance Commissioner

Members: 
Norma Bauer, Citizen Member
Dean Foster, Citizen Member
Steve Lindstrom, Citizen Member
The Honorable Jim Honeyford, Washington State Senate
The Honorable Karen Keiser, Washington State Senate
The Honorable Jim Moeller, House of Representatives
The Honorable Charles Ross, House of Representatives
Barbara Baker, Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives
Monica Cooper, Office of the State Auditor
Brent Heinemann, Office of the Governor
Thomas Hoemann, Secretary of the Senate
Stephanie Horn, Office of the Secretary of State
Marygrace Jennings, Department of General Administration
The Honorable Ken Jones, Mayor of the City of Tenino, Thurston Regional Planning Council
Juliette Schindler Kelly, Office of the Lt. Governor
Gina Stark, Office of the State Treasurer
Shanna Stevenson, Washington State Historical Society