Exhibits and Programs at the Washington State History Museum
July to September
UPCOMING EXHIBIT
Tacoma’s Civil Rights Struggle: African Americans Leading the Way
August 18 through December 7
The South was not the only place where Americans were denied equal rights. Right here in Washington,
people could not get jobs or housing because of their color. The national civil rights movement of the
1950s and 60s helped, but local leaders fought for equal rights in their own way. Learn how in
Tacoma’s Civil Rights Struggle: African Americans Leading the Way. The exhibit will features a
rich collection of artifacts, including photographs and newspaper articles, many not seen in half a
century. Organized by the Washington State Historical Society and the Tacoma Civil Rights Project.
CURRENT EXHIBITS
In the Spirit: Contemporary Northwest Native Arts Exhibit
Now 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 features works from 27 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.
The West the Railroads Made
Now 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. 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 Historical Society and
the Barriger Railroad Library of the St. Louis Mercantile Library at the University of Missouri,
St. Louis.
Curators’ Choice
Now 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
the first panoramic photograph of Seattle. 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
Thursday, July 17 @ 6 p.m.
Friday, August 1 @ 2 p.m.
Learn more about the interesting items on display in the exhibit Curators’ Choice by attending a Gallery
Talk. Curators and guides will discuss the stories behind the artifacts and why they were chosen.
Registration is not required. The sessions are FREE with museum admission.
ColumbiaKids Launch Party
Thursday, August 14 > 4 to 9 p.m.
It’s finally here! Help us celebrate the launch of the Washington State Historical Society’s new online
magazine for kids, COLUMBIAKids. Meet the writers, illustrators, and people who inspired some of
the features in the premiere issue. Enjoy author readings, special “back story” presentations, and a
book signing reception for Northwest Book Swap authors.
Guest presenters include: Kelley Balcomb-Bartok of the Center for Whale Research in Friday Harbor,
Washington; Dr. Jonathan Elias, director of the Akhmim Mummy Studies Consortium in Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania; and Joanna Sikes, director of special projects for the Chihuly Studio in Seattle.
Also joining us for a special set of Northwest Book Swap readings are award-winning authors Sherman
Alexie, author of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian; Kirby Larson, author of Hattie
Big Sky; Bonny Becker, author of A Visitor for Bear; and Anjali Banerjee, author of Looking for Bapu.
This program is FREE and open to the public. The premiere issue of COLUMBIAKids was made
possible through a grant from the Verizon Foundation.
Tacoma’s Civil Rights Struggle: Film Screening and Panel Discussion
Sunday, September 7 > 3 to 5 p.m.
Catch a screening of the companion film to the exhibit Tacoma’s Civil Rights Struggle: African
Americans Leading the Way. Produced by award-winning documentary filmmaker Sidney Lee, the film
features interviews with a dozen participants in Tacoma’s civil rights struggle, including former
Tacoma mayor, Harold Moss. After the screening, join a panel discussion about the film and the
local civil rights movement. This program is open to the public, and FREE with museum admission.
Ghosts of the Great Hall: Disaster! Natural Catastrophes in the Pacific Northwest
Saturday, October 18 > 1 TO 4 p.m.
Come experience Ghosts of the Great Hall—a popular educational program for school groups—open to the
public for just one day. Actors in the Great Hall of Washington History bring historical characters to
life as they tell stories of natural disasters in the Pacific Northwest. From the eruption of Mount St.
Helens to the avalanche that felled two Great Northern trains, investigate the history of natural
catastrophes using artifacts, ephemera, and photographs to unlock the mysteries of our geologic past.
This program is FREE with museum admission.
Vacation with us this summer!
Beat rising gas prices by spending your summer vacation close to home. Visit Tacoma’s Museum District,
featuring the Washington State History Museum, Tacoma Art Museum and Museum of Glass. All three are
open 7 days a week during the summer.
History Museum summer hours: Monday – 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.. The History Museum will maintain summer hours through
August 25.
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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