The Washington State History Museum is open for visitors Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. All visitors ages 5 and above are required to wear masks while in the museum. Close
Search
Menu
  • building photos

    New exhibits

    Tues.-Sun., 10 AM-5 PM
    Find out what's on view!
  • Home 23
    Grant Opportunity

    Diversity in Local History

    Supporting heritage organizations across Washington
    Learn more
  • Home 21

    Washington Black History Project

    WSHS and Advisory Committee initiatives
    Find out more!
  • Home 5
    Event

    Blue Star Museums

    Free admission for active duty military families
    More info.

Explore Washington History Today

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

The Washington State Historical Society is headquartered in Tacoma on the traditional lands of the Puyallup People who have stewarded this land throughout the generations. We pay respect to their elders past and present.

Museum Location
1911 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402

Directions / Parking / Transit

Buy Tickets

Join Us

Upcoming Events

Virtual K-12 Educator Workshop - POSTPONED

Virtual K-12 Educator Workshop

October 8, 3:00-6:00 PM and October 9, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Museum educators will present creative ways to incorporate STEAM into the classroom! Workshops and lesson plans for both primary and secondary teachers. Qualifies for 7.5 clock hours.
Crossing Boundaries 2

Challenging History

Oct 14, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Spend an evening with KNKX’s Ed Ronco and Vivian McCall in conversation with Peter Boag and Gwen Whiting, co-curators of the exhibition Crossing Boundaries: Portraits of a Transgender West. Participate remotely as they talk live in the exhibition gallery about the history of transgender people and how westward migration provided opportunities for fulfillment.
Scholarly Selections

Scholarly Selections

Oct 21, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
UWT professor Riki Thompson presents her original research about online dating for individuals who identify outside of binary gender norms. Her research illuminates the challenges and opportunities of online dating in relation to gender and sexuality.
Home 7
Washington State History Museum

Find out more about the History Museum

Take a look at our upcoming exhibitions and events.

Explore!
Home 1
Research Center and Statewide Resources

More than a museum - WSHS supports research and heritage orgs across Washington

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

Home 12

Asahel Curtis Photographs

view collection
Home 13

Main Street, Washington

view collection
Home 14

Washington Apples

view collection
Home 15

Washington's Winter Pastimes

view collection
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)