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The Washington State Historical Society is a non-profit 501 c 3 membership organization, open to any and all individuals, families, or firms. The Society is also recognized in statute (RCW 27.34) as a trustee agency of the state of Washington with enumerated powers.
Founded in 1891 and now into its second century of service, the Washington State Historical Society is dedicated to collecting, preserving and vividly presenting Washington's rich and varied history. The Society is comprised of a family of museums and research centers, offering a variety of services to researchers, historians, scholars and the lifelong learner.
Our mission is to inspire all people to make history a part of their lives by presenting exhibits, programs and publications that bring history alive; collecting materials that reveal stories of Washington and its people; educating students of all ages; encouraging the heritage activities of others; and fostering a sense of identity and community.
The Society is governed by a board of trustees, elected by the membership of the Society, excepting seven public officials (the Governor, Secretary of State, Superintendent of Public Instruction and four state legislators) who serve ex officio. Trustees (excepting statewide elected officials) are limited to three three-year terms, the officers (President, vice presidents for western and eastern Washington and the Treasurer) are limited to two three-year terms. The director is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the board and functions as the corporate secretary.
Chronology of the Society
1891 |
The Society is organized |
1896 |
the Society is incorporated |
1903 |
The State Legislature passes an act designating the Society as a trustee agency of state government |
1909 |
The State Legislature appropriates $25,000 to the Society to build its own building on Stadium Way in Tacoma |
1911 |
The original Society building is dedicated |
1931 |
The Society merges with the Ferry Museum that had been built adjoining its building |
1941 |
The Hewitt Research Library is established |
1973 |
A new wing is added to the facility on Stadium Way |
1986 |
The Society's board of trustees adopt a long range plan to guide its growth |
1987 |
The Society commences publication of COLUMBIA Magazine |
1987 |
The State Legislature appropriates planning funds for a new museum |
1993 |
The Society merges with the State Capital Museum in Olympia |
1995 |
The Heritage Capital Projects program is created under the auspices of the
Washington State Historical Society to establish a competitive process to solicit proposals from local governments, public development authorities, nonprofit corporations, tribal governments and other entities to submit prioritized heritage capital projects for potential funding in the state capital budget. |
1996 |
The Society opens the new Washington State History Museum next to the
restored Union Station in downtown Tacoma |
1999 |
The Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Advisory Committee is created under the
auspices of the Washington State Historical Society |
2000 |
The Society's board adopts a new strategic plan for 2000-2010 |
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Management Team
- Director: David L. Nicandri, M. A. in American History, University of Idaho, 1972;
Curator, State Capital Museum, 1973-1987; Member, Tumwater City Council, 1978-1987; Director, WSHS, 1987-present; Editor, COLUMBIA Magazine.
- Garry Schalliol, Director, Outreach Services
- Patricia Tobiason, Director of Museum Services
- Tamara Georgick, Director of Information Technology
- Marie DeLong, Executive Officer
- Redmond Barnett, Head of Exhibition Department
- Lynette Miller, Head of Collections Department
- Christina DuBois, Managing Editor, Columbia Magazine
- Christopher K. Lee, Financial Officer
- Susan Rohrer, Head of State Capital Museum and Outreach Center
- Stephanie Lile, Head of Education Department
Washington State Historical Society
Strategic and Action Plan 2002-2005
Establishing institutional priorities and operational directions
VISION Statement:
To be a highly esteemed and respected historical organization in the minds of policymakers, donors, and our peer institutions, accomplished by a commitment to excellence, effective communications, and strong relationships.
MISSION
To make the study of history in Washington illuminating and inspiring by . . .
- Presenting diverse and compelling educational opportunities including exhibits, programs, and publications that make history relevant and alive
- Collecting materials that form the fabric of Washington's history
- Fostering a sense of identity and community by encouraging the heritage activities of others
VALUES
- Customer Focus
- Entrepreneurial Spirit
- Professional Integrity
- Quality Performance, Products & Services
- Public Accountability
- Statewide Orientation
GOALS
- Make the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial a meaningful experience and memorable observance
- Make the Legislative Building a significant venue for WSHS interpretive programming
- Identify and implement inter-departmental (team-play) opportunities for institutional communication, promotional opportunities, productivity, and earned income prospect
- Maintain high performance ratings for customer satisfaction and statewide outreach
- Secure Accreditation from the American Association of Museums
- Identify objectives and strategies that most economically advance the mission of the Society within the limits of its resources and statutory authority
- Advocate the importance of state &local history
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