TACOMA – July 28 – The Washington State Historical Society will launch an online
children’s magazine called COLUMBIAKids. This educational and entertaining Webzine will
include special features like “One Day in History,” “Notorious NWesterners” and a
listener’s theater called “Pod Puzzle” featuring auditory historical mysteries designed
to strengthen listening skills while helping children understand Pacific Northwest
history. COLUMBIAKids goes live on August 15 at
http://columbia.washingtonhistory.org/kids.
COLUMBIAKids will also serve as a resource for teachers wanting to integrate reading,
writing and Pacific Northwest history through the Northwest Book Swap program. This
program encourages children ages 4-14 to read selected books by Pacific Northwest
authors and write a review about it. COLUMBIAKids will forward the clearest and most
thoughtful reviews to the authors, and one selected review will receive a response
from the author. The selected review and author’s response will be published on the
Web site.
“COLUMBIAKids was developed as both a fun place for kids to ‘hang out with history’ and
a place where parents and teachers can find informative and entertaining stories for
their kids,” said COLUMBIAKids Managing Editor and Head of Education, Stephanie Lile.
Launch Party
Join the celebration at the COLUMBIAKids launch party on August 14, from 3 to 9 PM
at the Washington State History Museum. 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.
The launch party is FREE and open to the public.
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.
A (little) sister to the Society’s journal of Pacific Northwest history,
COLUMBIA Magazine , COLUMBIAKids will come out twice a year in fall and spring. The premiere issue
of COLUMBIAKids was made possible through a grant from the Verizon Foundation.
To preview COLUMBIAKids and for more information about the Northwest Book Swap and other
features, visit
http://Columbia.WashingtonHistory.org/kids. For more information about the
August 14 launch party, 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.; 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 Historical Society
253-798-5877
socialmedia@wshs.wa.gov