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Olympia Tumwater Foundation (OTF) is a private,
501(c)(3) non-profit corporation established in 1950
by local citizens and by the descendents of Leopold
F. Schmidt (founder of The Olympia Brewing Company).
Today the Foundation operates in three areas:
Education Program
Tumwater Falls Park
Schmidt House and grounds
The Foundation has become the largest, private
source of scholarships for Thurston County high
school students attending institutions of higher
learning in the state of Washington. Since 1966, the
program has aided more than 250 local students with
approximately $650,000 applied toward their
continuing educations.
The Foundation owns, operates and maintains Tumwater
Falls Park and the historic Schmidt House, making
them available for public use and enjoyment.
The Foundation's first community effort was in the
early 1950's when it donated a large fountain to the
people of Washington. While on a trip to Europe,
Peter G. Schmidt (oldest son of Brewery Founder
Leopold F. Schmidt) and his wife, Clara, admired the
Tivoli Foundation in Copenhagen, Denmark and
conceived the idea of donating a replica to the
state of Washington. On April 15, 1953 hundreds of
citizens gathered on the Washington State Capitol
Campus and witnessed the event as Peter G. Schmidt
and Governor Arthur B. Langlie inaugurated the
Tivoli Fountain. The Daily Olympian called it, "A
splendid addition to the Capitol grounds." The
financing of this project generated the creation of
the Olympia Tumwater Foundation. |
The mission of the Olympia Tumwater Foundation is
"To provide educational opportunities to Thurston
County residents."
It carries out its mission through the three areas
of operation: the Education Program; Tumwater Falls
Park and the historic Schmidt House. The Foundation
uses these facilities and lands to promote its
passion for education. |
