WASHINGTON STATE HISTORY MUSEUM JANUARY EVENTS, EXHIBITS AND PROGRAMS
PROGRAMS
“Dr. MLK: From Slavery, 2 Dreams, 2 Presidency”
January 19 from 2-5 p.m.
FREE admission 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.
Performances from a variety of artists including; Silent Praize Mini Mimers, Buckshot Jazz Brigade,
Henry Foss Gospel Choir, The Brick City Krump Dancers, Eva Abram storytelling, and slam poetry
by Josh Rizeberg.
Community Conversations on Culture: A Film Series
January 22 from 6-8 p.m.
For the third installation of this film series by the Washington State History Museum and YWCA
Pierce County, watch "The Way Home" and participate in a community conversation. This FREE
admission film and discussion will take place in the Museum's auditorium from 6-8 p.m.
"The Way Home"
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.
NEW EXHIBITS
January 17 - June 21
Noted regional historian, Paul Dorpat, in collaboration with photographer Jean Sherrard, has
created a state wide version of his popular The Seattle Times ‘Then and Now’ photo feature. The
exhibit will compare and contrast historic photographs of state locations with contemporary
photographs. This is the largest visual analysis ever done on Washington. Guests will witness the
many ways humans have left their mark on our state. Organized by the Washington State History Museum,
Paul Dorpat, and Jean Sherrard.
January 21 - August 23
The History Museum and the Washington State Arts Commission have partnered to develop this folk art
celebration that will introduce visitors to various folk art traditions; ranging from traditional
Chinese paper cutting to Mexican horse hair weaving. The exhibit will feature the history of folk
art and folk artists in Washington. A weekend festival with live demonstrations from more than 15
artists will be held April 18 and 19. Organized by the Washington State History Museum and the
Washington State Arts Commission.
ONGOING EXHIBITS
LAST CHANCE!
Ends January 24
Take a look at what the iron road created in The West the Railroads Made. Learn how
this one form of transportation reshaped the West and helped create a truly continental nation.
The exhibit recounts how the idea of a Pacific railroad grew through the 1840s and 1850s, how it
came to life in the second half of the 19th century, and how it reconceived itself to survive new
challenges by the late 20th century. It features more than 80 artifacts, including rare railroad
ephemera, photographs, paintings, and other three-dimensional pieces. Organized by the Washington
State History Museum and the Barriger Railroad Library of the St. Louis Mercantile Library at
the University of Missouri, St. Louis.
Ends January 11
Since the founding of our nation in 1776, artists far and wide have created images of our
presidents and displayed them for all to see. These creative works surpass mere physical
representations, providing historical continuity and a visible legacy for our nation. The
exhibition features more than 30 artworks and images from the permanent collections of the
Washington State Historical Society. Organized by the Washington State History Museum.
COMING SOON!
“Ghosts of the Great Hall: Pirates, Shipwrecks and Lost Treasures”
February 7 from 1-3 p.m.
Did pirates really sail near the Northwest Coast? Is there a lost fortune in the woods of
Washington? Who sang show tunes as the SS Queen went down in flames? Find the answers to these
and more in “Pirates, Shipwrecks, and Lost Treasures,” an exploration of maritime history through
the eyes and voices of characters who lived through those times. FREE with Museum admission.
Women’s Votes, Women’s Voices Opening Celebration
February 28 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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.
FREE admission all day.
Schedule of events:
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
February 28 - September 27
This exhibit will highlight the history of the struggle of women to attain the right to vote in
our state, in commemoration of the Washington Suffrage Centennial. Hear the story of how women from
various ethnic and economic groups achieved a voice in public life, and how women’s voting
influenced territorial and state history, such as prohibition laws. The exhibition will feature
approximately 200 artifacts, interactive kiosks, and oral histories. Organized by the Washington
State History Museum, Washington Women’s History Consortium, and the Northwest Museum of Arts &
Culture in Spokane.
February 14 - June 21
See two dozen posters from our collection recalling the days of traveling circuses in Washington.
These colorful posters show the charm of vintage graphics, and for many will bring back memories of
excitement when the circus came to town. Organized by the Washington State History Museum.
For more information on these or any other events, exhibits, or programs at the Washington State History Museum, please visit
www.WashingtonHistory.org.
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About the Washington State History Museum
The Washington State History Museum, flagship of the Washington State Historical Society, is located
at 1911 Pacific Avenue in downtown Tacoma, just off 1-5. The Washington State History Museum presents
exhibits, programs, and events that bring to life the stories of Washington's history. The Washington State
Historical Society has been dedicated to collecting, preserving, and vividly presenting Washington's rich
and varied history since 1891.
HOURS - Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., with extended hours and free admission every
Thursday night, 5 – 8 p.m. until March 1, 2009. After March 1, the Museum will offer FREE admission every third Thursday from 2-8 p.m. Sunday the Museum is open NOON – 5 p.m.
ADMISSION - $25 for families (two adults and up to four children); $8 for adults; $7 for seniors, age 60
and above; $6 for students and military with valid ID; children, age 5 and below, and members are always
FREE.
CONTACT – 1-888-BE THERE,
www.WashingtonHistory.org
Media Contact:
Marketing Office
public relations coordinator
Washington State History Museum
253-798-5877
socialmedia@wshs.wa.gov