The West the Railroads Made
April 13 through January 24, 2009
Take a fresh look at what the iron road created in The West the Railroads Made. Learn about how this one form of transportation reshaped the
West and helped create a truly continental nation. Beyond iron tracks and coal-fired engines, the story of railroads is a story of transformation.
Railroads brought the modern world to the West and the West to the modern world. The West the Railroads Made 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. The exhibit will focus on the battleground between the river cities St. Louis and Portland, and the railroad
cities Chicago and Seattle/Tacoma.
The West the Railroads Made will feature more than 80 artifacts, including rare railroad ephemera, photographs, paintings and other three-dimensional
pieces. Organized by the Washington State Historical Society and the Barriger Railroad Library of the St. Louis Mercantile Library at the University of
Missouri, St. Louis.
In the Spirit: Contemporary Northwest Native Arts Exhibit
June 19 through July 20
The History Museum presents the third annual In the Spirit: Contemporary Northwest Native Arts Exhibit, a juried art exhibit showcasing the
works of contemporary Native artists. It is a celebration of how today’s Native art blends time-honored traditions with modern sensibilities.
This year’s exhibit will feature works from more than 30 artists from across the United States, many living and working in the Pacific Northwest.
Organized by the Washington State History Museum and the Longhouse Education & Cultural Center at The Evergreen State College. For more information,
visit WashingtonHistory.org/arts-festival.
ONGOING EXHIBITS
Becoming American: Teenagers and Immigration
March 22 through June 1
What is it like to be a young immigrant in America? Fifty-nine teenagers share their stories through pictures and words in
Becoming American: Teenagers & Immigration. This collection of black-and-white portraits captioned by the subject’s own words offer
a thought-provoking exploration of immigration, acculturation and cultural diversity. Photographed in their own communities, the teens featured in
this exhibit reveal a diverse array of responses to the immigrant experience, giving viewers an opportunity to better understand the complexity of
the newcomer’s lives. Photographs by Barbara Beirne. Developed and circulated by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.
The exhibit also includes “In Their Words,” a film featuring interviews with members of the local Asia Pacific Islander community. The film was
developed in partnership with the Asia Pacific Cultural Center and Bates Technical College, through a grant from the Smithsonian Community Grant Program.
Curators’ Choice
March 29 through August 17
The History Museum cracks open the proverbial vault as six of its collections curators share their personal favorites from the permanent collections
of the Washington State Historical Society. Curators’ Choice offers a rare look at a wide range of historical artifacts, as well as some insight
into the minds of the people who care for them. Thirty artifacts will be on display, including a contemporary basket made of dried orange peels, created
by a well-known Puget Sound basketmaker; a first American edition volume of the Koran, read by fur traders posted at the Columbia River; and a lamp
shaped like the Space Needle, a souvenir from the 1960’s Seattle World’s Fair. Organized by the Washington State Historical Society.
Faces of Leadership: Presidential Portraiture
Now through October 5
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 Historical Society.
EVENTS AND PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Curators’ Choice Gallery Talk Series
April through August
Join curators and museum educators for a closer look at some of the fascinating objects on display in the exhibit Curators’ Choice.
The Gallery Talks explore the stories behind these objects, revealing why they were selected as our curators’ favorites. Eight gallery talks are
scheduled throughout the run of the exhibit, with sessions every first Friday at 2 PM (April 4, May 2, June 6, August 1), and third
Thursday at 6 PM (April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17). Registration is not required. The Friday sessions are FREE with paid admission. The
Thursday sessions coincide with Free Thursday Nights when admission to the museum is FREE.
Ships, Sailors and Sounds of the Sea - Celebrating Washington’s Maritime History
Saturday, June 14 @ 11 AM
Set sail to the Washington State History Museum for Ships, Sailors and Sounds of the Sea, a special family program celebrating Washington’s
maritime history. Come and meet two local authors as they present stories and images from books they have written about ships and the sea. Chuck
Fowler is the author of “Tall Ships on Puget Sound,” which tells the history of the tall sailing ships that came to the Pacific Northwest beginning
in the mid-1700s. Children’s book author Deb Lund wrote “Dinosailors,” about the funny adventures of a crew of novice dinosailors who launch on an
oceanic journey, only to find that something even better waits for them back home. Catch a performance of the Whidbey Island singing group, The
Shifty Sailors, who inspired the book “Dinosailors.” They will perform a selection of the traditional and fun sea shanties sung by sailors at sea. The
group has released four CDs, including “H is for aHoy.” Programs will run throughout the day starting at 11 AM.
Visitors to the History Museum on June 14 may also enjoy FREE admission to tour the sea scout ship Odyssey as it celebrates its 70th birthday. It will be
open for visitors from 1 to 5 PM. For more information, visit www.sssodyssey.org.
SPECIAL INVITATION
Opening program and reception for In the Spirit: Contemporary Northwest Native Arts Exhibit
Thursday, June 19 @ 5 PM
Celebrate the opening of the In the Spirit: Contemporary Northwest Native Arts Exhibit at the History Museum. The evening kicks off with
traditional Native dance and drumming in the Grand Lobby. Several artist awards for the juried art exhibit will be presented, including “Best in Show.”
The celebration is FREE and open to the public.
In the Spirit: Northwest Native Arts Market & Festival
Saturday, June 28 > 10 AM to 5 PM
Sunday, June 29 > NOON to 5 PM
Celebrate Native arts and cultures at the In the Spirit Market & Festival. The Native arts market features products from a variety of artists.
Visitors can marvel at demonstrations of traditional artwork from the best Northwest carvers, printmakers, weavers and bead artisans. The festival
also features dancers, musicians, and storytellers from local tribes. Outdoor festival activities are FREE to the public.
Native art patrons and supporters can join Understanding Northwest Native Art, a collector’s seminar, on June 28 at 2 PM. The seminar is designed to
deepen knowledge and understanding of the art forms from the Northwest. Presenting are several Northwest Native artists and a Native arts collector.
To purchase seminar tickets, call 253-798-5894.
Commencement Bay Cruise on the Virginia V
Saturday, July 5 > 2 to 4 PM
Join the History Museum during Tall Ships Tacoma 2008 for a two-hour cruise on the historic Virginia V. Get a water view of visiting tall ships from around the world and enjoy a restful afternoon on Commencement Bay. Tickets are $30 for non-members and $25 for members, available for advance purchase exclusively at the History Museum admissions desk during regular open hours. No phone orders will be accepted. Beverages will be provided. Other snacks will be available for purchase on board. For more information about the Virginia V, visit www.virginiav.org.
Here comes the sun!
History Museum resumes summer hours
Take refuge from the summer sun and come into the cool interiors of the History Museum, open every day of the week during the summer. Starting the week after Memorial Day and until the week before Labor Day, the museum will be open on Mondays from 10 AM to 5 PM.
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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.; Sunday NOON – 5 p.m. During the summer, from Memorial Day through Labor Day,
the Museum is open on Mondays from 10 a.m. – 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