WSHM from the Chihuly Bridge of Glass Native American beaded bags and beads color block Children enjoying the History Lab Time Connector The History Museum and the Museum of Glass color block Salish weavers in the Hall of History

Featured Exhibits

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Icons of Washington History

Now through July 3


"Wild Rainier" poster from Rainier Brewing Company, 1974. Wild Rainier costume is on display in Icons of Washington History.(Washington State Historical Society)

What makes Washington different from anywhere else in the world? Is it the landscape? Our people? Certain events?

Washington State History Museum Director, David Nicandri, has picked out some of the best representations of our state from the Washington State Historical Society's collection to display in Icons of Washington History. View some of the features, events, people and landscapes that make Washington distinct.

This exhibit not only identifies icons, but explores why and how these icons came to be symbols of our state. From the Space Needle to Starbucks; from the "Wild Rainiers" to Galloping Gertie; and from Ezra Meeker to Dave Niehaus, see what Washington has done for the country, and the world.

Do you want to learn more about icons of our state? Visit Washington Stories for more information and activities.

Organized by the Washington State History Museum. Supported by Ben B. Cheney Foundation, Click! Cable TV, and Sequoia Foundation.


Jackson Street After Hours: The Roots of Jazz in Seattle

Now through February 7


A couple dances the jitterbug at a Seattle jazz club in the late 40s. (Photograph by Al Smith, Sr.)

Imagine a time when Seattle nightlife surged long past midnight, with people ducking in and out of 34 nightclubs along Jackson Street. A time when limousines pulled up to the 908 Club, and celebrities, jazz, and bootleg liquor flowed as fast as a Soldier's pay. Folks danced to jazz music in underground bars from dusk to dawn. This era comes alive in Jackson Street After Hours: The Roots of Jazz in Seattle.

Organized by Paul de Barros for the King County Landmarks Heritage Program.


Giants in the Mountains: The Search for Sasquatch

Now through June 27


Who–or what–is Sasquatch? (Bettmann/CORBIS)

Explore the Sasquatch mystery, set in the Pacific Northwest region said to be home to these ape-like creatures. Giants in the Mountains: The Search for Sasquatch examines how scientists attempt to explain and investigate the Sasquatch phenomenon. It also looks at hoaxes and popular cultural interpretations of Bigfoot. A look at tribal legends and masks provide yet another insight into this elusive being.

Organized by the Washington State History Museum.


Upcoming Exhibit

WITH OUR HANDS: Folk Art Treasures

February 20 through July


Detail from a painting of Ruston, Wash., by Orlin Coughlan. (Washington State Historical Society)

See folk art items pulled out of the Society's collection, and get a sneak peek at the kind of art guests will see during our World Folk Art Festival, April 17-18. See jewelry made out of hair, a picture frame crafted from matchsticks, a handmade Norwegian violin inlaid with mother-of-pearl, and more in WITH OUR HANDS: Folk Art Treasures.

Organized by the Washington State History Museum in collaboration with the Washington State Arts Commission.

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Tacoma, WA 98402
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