WASHINGTON STATE HISTORY MUSEUM DECEMBER EVENTS, EXHIBITS, AND PROGRAMS
13th Annual Model Train Festival
Get out your conductor’s hat for the History Museum’s Annual Model Train Festival!
This year’s Model Train Festival features layouts from Mount Rainer N-Scale, Pierce County
Lionel Club, Tacoma Northwestern Model Railroad Club, 4 D PNR HO Modular Group, Kid’s Play
G-Scale, a LEGO Holiday Display by TrainBuilder Productions, a Playmobil holiday display by
Steven Goldenbogen, Mary’s Big Circus and a booth from the Washington State Operation Lifesaver.
ParentMap and the Children’s Museum of Tacoma will have hands-on activities for the littlest
train fans Dec. 27 and 28. You can also check out the largest permanent model train layout in
the state, by the Puget Sound Model Railroad Engineers.
CURRENT EXHIBITS
Tacoma’s Civil Rights Struggle: African Americans Leading the Way
Now through Dec. 7
The South was not the only place where Americans were denied equal rights. Right here in Washington, as
little as 35 years ago, some people could not get jobs or housing because of their color. The national
civil rights movement helped, but local leaders, supporters, and allies fought for equal rights in their
own way. Find out how in Tacoma’s Civil Rights Struggle: African Americans Leading the Way, a new exhibit
at the Washington State History Museum that explores the trials and tribulations of the Civil Rights
Movement right here in the City of Destiny. The struggles of local activists are brought to life through
pictures, interviews, artifacts and more, many not seen in half a century. Guests will also see how the
equal rights effort continues today. Organized by the Washington State Historical Society and the Tacoma
Civil Rights Project.
The West the Railroads Made
Now through Jan. 24
Take a 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 Dec. 14
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 Jan. 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 Historical Society.
For more information on these or any other events, exhibits, or programs at the Washington State
History Museum, please visit www.WashingtonHistory.org.
# # #
High resolution photos are available on our
online image gallery, or upon request from Marketing, public relations coordinator.
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 Washington's history to life. 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 third Thursday from 2 - 8 p.m. The Museum is open Sunday 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
Washington State Historical Society
253-798-5877