WSHM from the Chihuly Bridge of Glass Native American beaded bags and beads color block Children enjoying the History Lab Time Connector The History Museum and the Museum of Glass color block Salish weavers in the Hall of History

WASHINGTON STATE HISTORY MUSEUM EVENTS, EXHIBITS AND PROGRAMS

December

EVENT

14th Annual Model Train Festival
Every floor of the History Museum will be buzzing with model trains during this week-long festival! Model Train Festival features nine tiny railroad towns portraying pop-culture references, dressed with holiday decorations, and miniature depictions of everyday life. There will be a play space for the littlest train fans to play.

We’ve extended our hours for Model Train Festival, and will be open every day of the week Dec. 26–Jan. 2, 10 AM–6 PM Be sure to check out the largest permanent model train layout in the state, by the Puget Sound Model Railroad Engineers, on display on the 5th floor.

Model Train Festival features layouts from:

4D PNR HO Modular Group
4D NTRAK Group
Cannonball Express
Kitsap Live Steamers
Mount Rainier N-Scale
Pierce County Lionel Club
Puget Sound Model Railroad Engineers
Tacoma Northwestern Model Railroad Club
a Playmobil® display by Steven Goldenbogen
a booth from the Washington State Operation Lifesaver

Activities for the littlest train fans will be provided by Parent Map on Dec. 27.

PROGRAM

“The Great Debate: What are Washington's Greatest Icons?”
December 17 @ 6:30 p.m.
During FREE Third Thursday

Do you think the Space Needle is an icon of Washington? How about the Grand Coulee Dam? Join a panel of local “iconothusiasts” as they present Washington’s most popular icons. History Museum director David Nicandri will lead the discussion, joined by Harriet Baskas, author of Washington Curiosities, and Weird Washington writers Jeff Davis and Al Eufrasio. From the wild to the wonderful to the just plain weird, this program is sure to spark a great debate! Companion program to the exhibit Icons of Washington History.

EXHIBITS

Marking Time: Voyage to Vietnam
ENDS DECEMBER 13

Graffiti has long been a form of artistic or political expression; some call it art, some call it vandalism. But archeologists and art historians find it useful to provide insight into the minds of those who inscribe personal messages in public places. View graffiti-inscribed canvas beds once aboard the USS Walker, and personal stories of Americans traveling to the Vietnam War. Organized by the Vietnam Graffiti Project, in partnership with the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities.

Icons of Washington History
THROUGH JULY 3

What makes Washington different from anywhere else in the world? Is it the landscape? Our people? Certain events? Washington State History Museum Director, David Nicandri, has picked out some of the best representations of our state from the Washington State Historical Society's collection to display in Icons of Washington History.View some of the features, events, people and landscapes that make Washington distinct. Organized by the Washington State History Museum. Supported by Ben B. Cheney Foundation, Click! Cable TV, and Sequoia Foundation.

Jackson Street After Hours: The Roots of Jazz in Seattle
THROUGH FEBRUARY 7

Imagine a time when Seattle nightlife surged long past midnight, with people ducking in and out of 34 nightclubs along Jackson Street. A time when limousines pulled up to the 908 Club, and celebrities, jazz, and bootleg liquor flowed as fast as a Soldier's pay. Folks danced to jazz music in underground bars from dusk to dawn. Organized by Paul de Barros for the King County Landmarks Heritage Program.

For more information on these or any other events, exhibits or programs at the Washington State History Museum, please visit www.WashingtonHistory.org.

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High resolution photos are available on our online image gallery, or upon request from Marketing Office.

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:
Marketing Office
public relations coordinator
Washington State History Museum
253-798-5877

Washington State History Museum Logo
1911 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 272-3500
1-888-BE THERE
(253) 272-9518 Fax
More contact info