The Washington State History Museum is open for visitors Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Masks are required. Special hours on the third Thursday of each month, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM with free admission 3:00-8:00 PM.
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    The History Museum is open!

    Tues-Sun, 10 AM-5 PM
    Our COVID Response
  • Crossing Boundaries 2
    Event

    Curator Talk: Crossing Boundaries

    with Peter Boag and Gwen Whiting
    Learn more here!
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    Event

    Washington Black History Project

    WSHS and Advisory Committee initiatives
    Find out more!
  • A Look at Washington State PRIDE
    Event

    A Look at Washington State Pride

    Pride parades across the state
    Learn more here!

Explore Washington History Today

The Washington State Historical Society partners with our communities to explore how history connects us all.

Museum Location
1911 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402

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Upcoming Events

Juneteenth

Honoring Juneteenth

Jun 19, 10:00am - 5:00pm
The oldest celebrated national commemoration of the ending of slavery, Juneteenth is commemorated to acknowledge a period in American history that continues to shape our communities. WSHS encourages you to join us in celebrating with one of our many partners who preserve the history of Black Americans and Washingtonians. See page for links and resources.
A Look at Washington State PRIDE

A Look at Washington State PRIDE

Jul 1, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Learn about the history of PRIDE celebrations across Washington State and a look at items from the WSHS collections.
15th Annual IN THE SPIRIT Contemporary Native Arts Virtual Exhibition 1

IN THE SPIRIT Artist Awards

Jul 15, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Learn about contemporary Native arts and Indigenous artists. Celebrate the award recipients for the 16th annual IN THE SPIRIT Contemporary Native Arts exhibition. Hear from the esteemed exhibition jurors and explore the art they selected
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Washington State History Museum

Find out more about the History Museum

Take a look at our upcoming exhibitions and events.

Explore!
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Research Center

More than a museum - WSHS is a statewide resource

Learn more about the Washington State Historical Society, our mission and vision, the Research Center, Heritage Capital Project program, heritage outreach, opportunities for philanthropy, and more.

About WSHS

Featured Collections

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Asahel Curtis Photographs

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Main Street, Washington

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Washington Apples

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Washington's Winter Pastimes

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Testimonials
  • "Excellent regional museum. We go most years around the holidays to see the model railroad exhibits. Always something new to see and learn."
    - Rich Traulsen
  • "I will never forget this wonderful adventure through the history of Washington, and I hope I have an opportunity to visit the museum again."
    - Josh, 7th grader
  • "Outstanding museum! Awesome displays and lots of interactive displays. Great family destination, good value for the entertainment dollars and you might learn a thing or two."
    - Kevin Carlton
  • "This is an awesome Museum. It takes you through the history of Washington State. The geological, historical, cultural, art, science and technological journey across different time frames. The museum is located in the downtown Tacoma easily accessible via public transit. If you are driving, the parking is spacious...The museum is really worth visiting."
    - Prashant KC
  • "This is a beautiful museum that is located in an area with stunning views of the bay and Mt Rainer. Lots of great local restaurants in walking distance makes for an easy day out."
    - Jim's Opinion (Google Reviews)