Events and Programs
Dec. 26 through Jan. 3
The 13th Annual Model Train Festival takes place Dec. 26 through Jan. 3. Don't miss this fun,
holiday activity the whole family will enjoy. (Washington State Historical Society, Christopher Nelson photo)
Get out your conductor’s hat for the History Museum’s Annual Model Train Festival!
This year’s Model Train Festival features layouts from Mount Rainer N-Scale, Pierce County Lionel Club,
Tacoma Northwestern Model Railroad Club, 4D PNR HO Mogular Group, Kid’s Play G-Scale, a LEGO Holiday
Display by TrainBuilder Productions, a Playmobil display by Steve Goldenbogen, Mary’s Big Circus, and
a booth from the Washington State Operation Lifesaver. You can also check out the largest permanent
model train layout in the state, by the Puget Sound Model Railroad Engineers.
The Children's Museum of Tacoma and ParentMap will have hands-on activities Dec. 27 and 28 for the
littlest train fans.
HOURS: Every day from Dec. 26 - Jan. 3 > 10 AM – 5 PM, with FREE admission and extended hours Thursday from 5-8p.m.
Four Points of Washington State
The Washington State Historical Society announces a public call for digital photography
submissions for Four Points of Washington State. Each submission is to consist of a set of four
different views, all taken from the same location. Accepted submissions will be on display
starting in September in the Four Points online gallery at WashingtonHistory.org.
Photographers of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to submit their work. Entries must be
submitted between March 1 until August 1. As contemporary examples of digital photography, the
images should be taken no earlier than January 1, 2009. Each image should be at least 4" x 6" at
300 dpi resolution in uncompressed TIFF or JPEG file formats. All accepted submissions become the
property of the Washington State Historical Society, with no restrictions on usage. Each image
displayed in the online gallery will be credited to its photographer. Images with rights
restrictions will not be accepted. The Society does not pay any fees for images received as
part of the Four Points project, and reserves the right to reject any content deemed unsuitable
for our public audiences or not in keeping with the Four Points theme.
For more information, please contact Fred Poyner IV, digital assets manager, at (253) 798-5911,
fpoyner@wshs.wa.gov.
The Washington State History Museum and YWCA Pierce County are partnering to present a series of four films
with themes centering on racial and social justice. These FREE admission films will include an interactive
audience discussion with a moderator after the film.
Film schedule:
"The Way Home"
Jan. 22
Over the course of eight months, 64 women, representing a cross-section of cultures in America,
came together to share their experiences of oppression through the lens of race. Separated into eight
ethnic councils, the women explore their stories of identity, oppression, and resistance with filmmaker
Shakti Butler.
"Mirrors of Privilege"
Feb. 26
This must-see Shakti Butler film is for all people who are interested in justice, spiritual growth,
and community making. It features the experiences of white men and women who have worked to gain
insight into what it means to challenge notions of racism and white supremacy in the United States.
Dr. MLK: From Slavery, 2 Dreams, 2 President
January 19, from 2-5 p.m.
Honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Washington State History Museum,
with performances from a variety of artists and FREE admission to the museum all day.
Celebrate Dr. King’s dream with a past-to-present tribute of
African American history, with programming designed to inspire, enlighten, and invoke the
dreams of a nation.
Ghosts of the Great Hall: Pirates, Shipwrecks and Lost Treasures
February 7, from 1-3 p.m.
Was this telescope once used to search for treasure off the Northwest coast? Find out in
"Ghosts of the Great Hall: Pirates, Shipwrecks and Lost Treasures." (Washington State Historical Society)
Did pirates really sail off the Northwest coast? Is there a lost fortune in the woods of
Washington? Who sang showtunes as the SS Queen went down in flames? Find the answers
to these questions and more in "Pirates, Shipwrecks and Lost Treasures," an exploration
of maritime history through the eyes and voices of characters who lived those times.
FREE with museum admission.
Women's Votes, Women's Voices Exhibit Opening Celebration
February 28, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
FREE admission all day.
Bellingham women campaign for women's rights. (Whatcom Museum of History and Art)
Join the festivities as we kick-off the centennial celebration of women’s suffrage with the
opening of Women’s Votes, Women’s Voices. This is the lead activity for the state of Washington
celebrating 100 years of women earning the right to vote. Enter the Museum and transport back
in time to a suffrage rally, join a women’s march, and enjoy a performance from Living Voices,
“Hear My Voice: Win the Vote,” and songs from Linda Allen. Light refreshments will be served.
Schedule for exhibit opening celebration:
11 a.m. – Welcome, introductions, and recognition of featured guests
11:30 – Exhibit doors open, music on the Mezzanine
11:30 – 1 p.m. – Kids activity
NOON – Refreshments served
1 p.m. – Women’s March through the Museum to the Auditorium, ending in the Auditorium for Living Voices “Hear my Voice: Win the Vote” performance
2 p.m. – Songs by Linda Allen