Museum
  Information

  Membership

  Events &
  Changing
  Exhibits

  Continuing
  Exhibits

  Our
  Neighborhood

  Field Trips

  Group Tours

  Facility Rental

  Leschi
  Exoneration

GREAT HALL OF WASHINGTON HISTORY

Discover the stories that connect us to our past in the place that tells them best.

Life in Washington prior to the arrival of European and American explorers, hardships of travel on the Oregon Trail, earning a living on the Wageworkers Frontier—these are some of the stories of Washington's past told in a permanent exhibit at the Washington State History Museum. And the ways these stories are told vary as much as the stories themselves.

Thirty-five different human sculptures share their stories through interactive audio, and video programs describe life as a "timber beast," a railroad worker, a fisherman on the Columbia River. Six touch-screen Electronic Journals add depth to the ideas and stories presented throughout the museum.

Through these exhibit components, as well as artifacts, knowledgeable gallery interpreters, and the "you are there" aspect of many exhibit panels, museum guests will become immersed in the past of Washington state. More than 30,000 students visit the museum on field trips every year to learn Washington history. Many of them return at a later date with their parents.

For photos and information about this educational and entertaining Smithsonian-quality exhibit, please take a Virtual Tour of the gallery. After the Virtual Tour, be sure to visit the Fun Facts about the Washington State History Museum page. If you are an educator, and you'd like to bring your class to the Hall of History, please complete our online reservation form.

Washington State Historical Society
1911 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402
Toll-free 1-888-BE-THERE (1-888-238-4373)