About Redmond Historical Society founder, Naomi Hardy
The Redmond Historical Society was co-founded by Naomi “Nao” Hardy. Hardy is credited for founding the society in 1999 with those who shared a similar passion in researching and sharing Redmond’s monumental history. Hardy’s contributions include a 800-plus photo essay called “Redmond Reflections” and bringing the Redmond Historical society to light with countless documents and photos.
Hardy passed away in 2012, but her significance and importance to Redmond was recognized by Mayor John Marchione, naming the Redmond Clock Tower after the leading force behind the Redmond Historical Society, located at O’Leary park.
Hardy saw the Redmond Historical Society flourish, as the society grew to 140 members in just a decade. From gathering a few local history buffs in Redmond to 1999, her hard work and passion devoted to the society is the reason why the society is highly respected and valued in the community of Redmond, WA.
No one had a bigger impact on the development of the Redmond Historical Society than co-founder Naomi Hardy.
The Dedication of the Redmond Clock Tower
The clock tower and kiosk that anchors Redmond’s historic core along Leary Way now has a name—one that city officials, the Redmond Historical Society, and long-timers who knew Redmond when it had just one traffic light honored in May, 2016.
"The Naomi Hardy Clock Tower” was dedicated by Mayor John Marchione as a tribute to the founding force behind the Redmond Historical Society. Naomi Hardy was determined to research and share Redmond’s history, gathering a few other local history buffs in 1999 and then seeing the Society flourish, growing to more than 140 members in just a decade.
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“Nao” Hardy passed away in 2012, but her legacy includes all the research for the heritage kiosk that’s part of the clock tower, as well as the script for the first walking tour of Redmond’s historic core. She also penned the Society’s book Redmond Reflections, and amassed a “Who’s-Who of Redmond” with hundreds of names.
A plaque and sign in Hardy’s honor let passersbys know that one person can make a significant difference in their community. For Hardy, it was sharing Redmond’s history so that long-timers would feel treasured, and newcomers would learn about Redmond’s roots and have that in common with their new neighbors.
"No one had a bigger impact on the development of the Redmond Historical Society than co-founder Naomi Hardy," says Society President Joe Townsend.  “Naomi loved to say ‘History is Happening in Redmond’; naming the tower after her makes Naomi a larger part of that history.”
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The Naomi Hardy Clock Tower is located at O'Leary Park, on the corner of Leary Way and Redmond Way.
