WASHINGTON STATE HISTORY MUSEUM EVENTS, EXHIBITS AND PROGRAMS
MAY
PROGRAMS
August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean”
May 2 @ 8 p.m.
Put on by Broadway Center for the Performing Arts
From Pulitzer Prize winning author August Wilson comes "Gem of the Ocean,"
the masterful first installment of the epic ten play chronicles, "Pittsburgh Cycle." Each
installment takes an almost mythological look at the different decades of the twentieth
century, beginning with Gem of the Ocean in 1904. With inspirational characters including
Solly Two Kings, a former slave; Citizen Barlow, who undertakes a supernatural journey to the
City of Bones; and Aunt Esther, a 285 year-old “soul cleanser”, this emotional performance
gives an exhilarating introduction to some of the most inspired work from one of America’s most
talented playwrights.
Tickets: $12, or $8 each if you buy tickets to both August Wilson shows; $8 if buying 4 or more
tickets. Visit www.broadwaycenter.org and click on “August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean” to
purchase tickets.
Thursday Night Live!
Every third Thursday evening, while the History Museum has extended hours and FREE
admission, check out Thursday Night Live!, a monthly program bringing in special guests
for lectures, performances, and more. Check back monthly to find out what's happening at
the History Museum on Third Thursday!
MAY 21 @ 6:30 p.m. – Women to Reckon With
Glynda Peterson Schaad and Gary Peterson, authors of "Women to Reckon With: Untamed Women of the
Olympic Wilderness”, will tell the stories of some eccentric Washington women. Back in the days when
women were expected to be prim and proper, some Washington women chose their own way of doing things.
EXHIBITS
Nurses At Your Service: A Century Of Caring
NOW - July 5
Rare documents and healthcare equipment uncover a century's development of nursing in Washington in Nurses at Your Service: A Century of Caring. Wars, technology, science, and compassion have drastically changed the field in just 100 years. Organized by the Washington State History Museum and the Washington State Nursing Centennial Consortium.
Washington Then & Now
NOW - 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.
WITH OUR HANDS: World Folk Art Traditions of Washington
NOW - 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.
Animals and Acrobats: Circus Posters from the Washington State Historical Society
NOW - 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.
Women’s Votes, Women’s Voices
NOW - 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.
COMING IN JUNE!
Fast Moving Water: The Hoh River Story
JUNE 27 – OCTOBER 18
Acclaimed nature photographer, Keith Lazelle, has captured the beauty of the Hoh River, one of only a few virtually intact rivers in the contiguous United States, in Fast Moving Water: The Hoh River Story. Explore the rich history and cultural significance of this ecosystem, including efforts to protect and preserve it. Organized by the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture at the University of Washington, Seattle, in collaboration with the Hoh River Trust.
For more information on these or any other events, exhibits or programs at the Washington
State History Museum, please visit WashingtonHistory.org.
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High resolution photos are available on our
online image gallery, or upon request from Kimberly Adams, 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 - Wednesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., with extended hours and FREE admission every third Thursday from 2 - 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
ADMISSION - $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:
Kimberly Adams
public relations coordinator
Washington State History Museum
253-798-5877